I didn't need the elf outfit to play an elf; I could just play an elf.

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.

It was a decision to work clean. I just prefer to work that way. I have no problem with comedians who don't work that way. There was a temptation in the early '70s to reconsider. I decided against it.

All I can say about life is, 'Oh God, enjoy it!'

I've done more than I thought I was ever going to do. I've had a very long and very satisfying career.

I'm very open to the up-and-comers.

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