(CNN) -- Billy Ray Cyrus may be a country boy at heart, but he is also pretty savvy when it comes to navigating Hollywood. 

Billy Ray Cyrus has a full plate with acting, touring, composing and being a dad. 

When others wrote him off as a novelty act after the 1992 hit "Achy Breaky Heart," Cyrus kept making music and eventually turned to acting. 

It was a decision he said came after some well-timed fatherly advice. 

"In the mid-'90s, my dad said to me 'Son, you've got all of your eggs in one basket and you are living and dying by music,' " Cyrus recalled. "He said 'I want you to have a career like Kenny Rogers.' " 

Cyrus said his dad suggested he branch out into acting. Cyrus eventually auditioned for and won a role in what appeared to be an unlikely vehicle -- David Lynch's 2001 film "Mulholland Drive." 

After Lynch, known for such works as "Blue Velvet" and "Twin Peaks," suggested that Cyrus should continue to pursue the craft, he went on to star in the television drama "Doc," which also helped spur the career of Cyrus' greatest production -- "Hannah Montana" star, and Cyrus' daughter, Miley Cyrus. 

Now, with the release of "Hannah Montana: The Movie" on Blu-ray and DVD, a music tour and an upcoming role in a film featuring comedian George Lopez and martial arts expert Jackie Chan, Cyrus is staying busy. 

He recently took some time out of his hectic schedule to talk to CNN about how he keeps it all together, how he manages raising a family full of performers (son Trace is a member of the band Metro Station, daughter Brandi performs with the band Frank and Derol and also acts, as do younger children Braison and Noah) and what makes him a good fit for Hollywood. 
Who told Cyrus to try acting?
Why?
What type of career did he want for him?
Before acting what was he focused on?
What was his first famous song?
What year was that released?
How did people view him after that?
When did his dad suggest acting?
What was his first part?
What year was that?
Whose movie was it?
What else was Lynch known for?
What was Cyrus in after that?
What that another movie?
What was it?
Who is his daughter?
What is her job?
What is she known for?
Does he have more kids?
how many?
his dad
Cyrus said his dad suggested he branch out into acting
he wanted him to have a career
"He said 'I want you to have a career like Kenny Rogers.' " 

one like Kenny Rogers
'I want you to have a career like Kenny Rogers.' 
music
you are living and dying by music
Achy Breaky Heart
 the 1992 hit "Achy Breaky Heart," 
1992
the 1992 hit "Achy Breaky Heart,"
as a novelty act
When others wrote him off as a novelty act 
In the mid-'90s,
"In the mid-'90s, my dad said to me 'Son, you've got all of your eggs in one basket and you are living and dying by music,' " Cyrus recalled. 
a role in Mulholland Drive
a role in what appeared to be an unlikely vehicle -- David Lynch's 2001 film "Mulholland Drive." 

2001
David Lynch's 2001 film "Mulholland Drive." 
David Lynch's
David Lynch's 2001 film "Mulholland Drive.
Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks
After Lynch, known for such works as "Blue Velvet" and "Twin Peaks,"
Doc
he went on to star in the television drama "Doc,
no
he went on to star in the television drama "Doc,"
a television drama
the television drama "Doc," 
Miley Cyrus
Cyrus' daughter, Miley Cyrus
an actress
Hannah Montana" star, and Cyrus' daughter, Miley Cyrus. 
Hannah Montana
"Hannah Montana" star, and Cyrus' daughter, Miley Cyrus. 

yes
 he manages raising a family full of performers (son Trace is a member of the band Metro Station, daughter Brandi 
four
(son Trace is a member of the band Metro Station, daughter Brandi performs with the band Frank and Derol and also acts, as do younger children Braison and Noah)