When I was 10, I knew there was something different about me. Everyone was football-mad, but I just wanted to watch musicals and see art.

In America they like my spicy TV alter ego, probably because there were a lot of Italians and Hispanics in the country, but the real L.A. life is a hard-working one.

Dad was a bus driver, and when he finished work he would repair cars.

I don't like myself. I'm not vain at all. I hate looking at myself - I always think I look ugly. Honest.

I love contemporary art, although I wouldn't want a pickled shark in my house.

I think school is so important. I was good student. A rebel, but I did well in my studies. I don't close myself to anything. I liked reading and I still love learning. I loved history and German.

I'm not romantic at all. I'm a moaner. I should be on Grumpy Old Men. I'm terrible.