In my career, there have been three things that were challenging: playing gay; playing a Jewish woman; and playing Anton Chekhov. The scariest part was playing Chekhov!

I know Mama Rose is a great role and I love having a chance to do it.

When there's a terrible illness like AIDS sweeping through, you help people.

Getting plenty of sleep is always great. It really is. I have a girlfriend who's sending me a slant board.

I don't smoke, I don't drink much, I don't eat red meat. I stay out of the sun.

When I grew up in the '60s, your hair had to be straight and you had to be skinny and have no boobs, and it was like not my era.

I lost a very dear friend who lived with AIDS for about 17 years. Rejecting early treatments that were iffy, he thought he saved himself. I really miss him a lot.