The first time I got up in front of an audience was terror, abject terror, which continued for another four or five years. There still is, a little bit.

Laughter gives us distance. It allows us to step back from an event, deal with it and then move on.

But I really believe that if you have the ability, there is an obligation to make people laugh

I'm most proud of the longevity of my marriage, my kids, and my grandchildren. If you don't have that, you really don't have very much.

The reason I'm a psychologist is based in part on my telephone routines. Much of my humor comes out of reaction to what other people are saying. A psychologist is a man who listens, who is sympathetic.

I never had an aversion because I was active in the drama club. If I had that aversion I certainly wouldn't put myself in the position of being on stage. Of course, in the drama club you're hiding behind a character.

One of the first things you ever learn as a stand-up is don't show fear.