TAMPA, Fla. -- The Romney campaign planned a surprise guest to address the Republican convention here: Hollywood actor and director Clint Eastwood.

Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood speaks at the RNC Thursday, in Tampa, Fla.

But it might have been more of a surprise than they bargained for.

In a rather rambling speech that lasted for more than 10 minutes -- not delivered on TelePrompter -- Eastwood criticized President Obama, in part by conducting an imaginary interview with the president.

"It might be time for someone else to come along and solve the problem," Eastwood told the GOP audience, adding: "When somebody doesn't do the job, we've got to let him go."

The crowd ate up most of what Eastwood said, but it was an unusual address, especially at such a highly scripted political convention.

Eastwood ended his remarks by delivering his signature line: "Go ahead, make my day."

After his remarks, the Romney campaign issued this statement: "Judging an American icon like Clint Eastwood through a typical political lens doesn't work. His ad libbing was a break from all the political speeches, and the crowd enjoyed it. He rightly pointed out that 23 million Americans out of work or underemployed is a national disgrace and it's time for a change."