I've been a very lucky actor.

The only way to survive is to have a sense of humour.

When I started out in 1960, I thought it might possibly last a couple of years. I never expected it to last 42. I take great satisfaction in that longevity.

I think everyone probably starts out sounding like someone else, but gradually you develop your own sound.

I kind of do it in my head, then I'll try pieces of it on stage and if it looks promising, I'll put it together.

There's gratification in making somebody laugh. It's a wonderful sound. I find myself, to this day, doing it, wanting to make people laugh.

I was not influenced by Jack Benny, and people have remarked on my timing and Jack's timing, but I don't think you can teach timing. It's something you hear in your head.