The only way I know how to deliver is to focus; some people can turn it on or off - I'd rather stay in character.

The only way you can influence your fate is to put your soul into your performance and hope it registers with the audience.

I think always as an actor. I go in knowing how I'm going to play it. That's about it.

I'm known for playing bad guys, so this was an interesting departure from what I'm known to play, which is a softer, more likable, affable character.

Also, I'd like to play an athlete again, while I'm still physically fit, or a musician, like Nat King Cole, because I play the trumpet and sing. I'd like to incorporate that into a character.

What I like about the Carpenter take on The Thing is the fact that it just has so much suspense. It seemed like a different story, with the horror elements. Those films that really speak to the primal fear that we, as human beings, have about the unknown have always intrigued me. That's the really scary thing, not the slasher, macabre movies.

As an actor, you really want to resonate with your audience. I played a character on Oz and people still approach me in the streets today.