I tend to wake up in the middle of the night with ideas crying to be documented.

Some actors have to make a choice. If they have the opportunity to become these huge megastars, making millions and millions of dollars and have to live a lie, that's a choice they have to make. Not that I would ever be a big star, but I just had to live my life the way I saw fit.

I tend to wake up in the middle of the night with ideas crying to be documented.

I am a collector of many things, but I particularly love the sterling silver mint julep cups, each engraved with the titles of the Broadway shows in which I appeared.

There are many Broadway songs that apply to moments on 'Mad Men,' and I sing them on set all the time.

When I did 'Ugly Betty' it was very similar to working on 'Mad Men' - great group of people in their own little world. But I don't really see a lot of difference. Of course, on the cable shows, you can tackle subjects and be more specific, because networks have to appeal to the masses, but that's constantly changing and evolving.

I did grow up in New Orleans. I grew up right on the lake, right across the levee.