The only problem with Mitch [Pileggi, the actor who plays Skinner] is that his bald head means there's nothing to hold onto when he starts to buck.

I've turned down jobs because I've said, 'Honestly, I can't find my way in. I can't do it. I love you, as a director. I think the script is good. You deserve better than I think I can do.'

People are really much more respectful than they're made out to be and much more discerning about the fact that I'm not the character I play.

Every time Mulder smiles, people say, 'God, it was great to see you smile. Mulder never smiles.' I say, 'Mulder smiles a whole lot. He smiles at least once a show.' People get these ideas in their heads and they're impossible to shake. But, to be honest with you, Mulder is every bit as vulnerable and quirky as Ally McBeal. I think Mulder has pretty good legs, too.

I don't like watching people work if they're making art.

If young actors ask me things, I always tell them to get on set and watch how it's done. If you can, watch the people that you like, how they work.

As names that can mean things, I prefer spiritual to a lot of other things.