I think the fact that I was raised in show business, in New York City, in the '50s, that's affected my personality to the point that I'm a little different.

I grew up listening to people speaking broken English. I probably picked that up. And I probably speak English almost as a second language.

Laurence Olivier said in an interview once that when he plays a tragedy he always aims for the funny parts, and the other way around. Because in a comedy you look for what's serious. I think that's true. Sometimes things are really funny if you're absolutely earnest. If you're really serious, it's hilarious.

I have this theory about words. There's a thousand ways to say "Pass the salt". It could mean, you know, "Can I have some salt?" or it could mean, "I love you.". It could mean, "I'm very annoyed with you". Really, the list could go on and on. Words are little bombs, and they have a lot of energy inside them.

Because if I don't know my lines, I really don't know what I'm doing.

I have always refused to do something that has offended me. I have been offered potential roles that are totally vulgar.

Onstage I have a natural chutzpa that audiences like. I'm out there.