Conversation so far:
When did Fred Thompson begin his acting career?
The film, Marie was Fred Thompson's first acting role and was released in 1985.
How did Fred Thompson begin acting?
Roger Donaldson, who, after traveling to Nashville to speak with the people involved with the Marie Ragghianti case, asked Fred Thompson if he wanted to play himself.
Did Fred Thompson immediately agree to play himself?

Question: Did he find it difficult to portray himself?
Self-contained rewrite: Did Fred Thompson find it difficult to portray himself?