When you work in a different language you are not so attached to the words.

You have to be in good shape, basically. And then, you have to have a certain craziness, if you're going to do some of the action things.

I did my first movie, "The Mambo Kings," in America without speaking the language. I learned the lines phonetically. I had an interpreter actually just to understand directions from my director.

In my personal life, I am very contemplative.

I love the diversity of America. I love the plain, normal sense of humor Americans have. It is not wicked, like in some countries. And I also love how new America is.

I try to teach my kids to be open.

I have a fantastic studio in my home, and it's my biggest toy. I have about a half a million dollars worth of musical equipment in my house.