Joe Eszterhas stars in anti-smoking ads

The clinic hopes the three public service announcements will air in movie theaters and on TV stations nationwide as part of a new program, "Join Joe," that aims at helping people quit using tobacco.

"I'm hoping that my cancer and my voice will neutralize the pro-smoking message in the movies," Eszterhas told The Associated Press Wednesday. "I describe this as a loaded weapon aimed at a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old -- and the gun goes off when they're 50."

"Join Joe" will provide support for those seeking help quitting smoking through a Web site. It also will encourage people to help Eszterhas spread an anti-smoking message, and he'll host weekly one-hour Web programs beginning in January.

Eszterhas, 58, was diagnosed with throat cancer nearly three years ago and was treated at the clinic. He is now in remission.

He grew up in Cleveland and started smoking at 12. He's moved back to the area from Hollywood and has quit smoking and drinking.

In a 30-second spot airing in Cleveland-area theaters, he apologizes for glamorizing cigarettes. "I glamorized smoking in my movies. Then I got throat cancer. Maybe that's my punishment. Please, don't let people like me kill you."

The screenwriter's films also include "Flashdance" and "Showgirls."