'Friends' Actor Goes Wild

David Schwimmer On Playing A Giraffe

(CBS)  David Schwimmer has loaned his voice to a new set of friends. In the animated film "Madagascar," Schwimmer plays Melman the Giraffe, one of four coddled animals at the Central Park Zoo.

A fan of both animated films and giraffes, Schwimmer tells The Early Show co-anchor Rene Syler, he didn't have to think twice or even read the script when he was asked to do the part.

Melman has many fears and phobias. In the film's production notes, Schwimmer explains, it describes his character as one that needs routine and security, which he gets at the zoo from the veterinarian visits.

Schwimmer says, "When he's cast into the wild - or even leaves the premises - he's completely thrown and terrified. His journey is one of coming to terms with the fact that he can survive...with a little help from his friends."

What he likes about giraffes the most is that they are vulnerable and sweet, Schwimmer tells Syler.

"If you imagine a giraffe being kind of attacked, what's it going to do?" he asks, "Is it going to lick you back?"

The film also stars Ben Stiller ("Meet the Fockers," "Meet the Parents") as Alex the Lion; Chris Rock ("Chris Rock: Never Scared") as Marty the Zebra; and Jada Pinkett Smith ("Collateral") as Gloria the Hippo.

Schwimmer is also making his West End debut in the London premiere of "Some Girl(s)," a new play by Neil LaBute.

As for the rest of the cast of "Friends," he says he hasn’t been able to see them since he's been in London so much recently .