My whole life, Ive wanted things before I was ready. I was always pushing for the next job, the next success. I was so focused on achieving and the path that I was missing some great point about life.

The only episode which was completely my idea was for Mitch Pileggi, the actor who portrays Skinner, the Assistant Director of the FBI. He appears often in the series, but only for a few scenes. You know virtually nothing about him. I wanted him to have an episode that was his alone, so I wrote Avatar for him. He even has a scene that's pretty . . . hot [knowing smile]. He was very happy.

I think [kids] enjoy reading, but it's a different world now. There are a lot of competitors for the imaginative attention.

I mean, you always want everybody to pat you on the back and tell you you're wonderful every time you do something; I think that's human nature.

I love dogs. They live in the moment and don't care about anything except affection and food. They're loyal and happy. Humans are just too damn complicated.

Most journalists expect me to answer all their questions about aliens and spaceships.

Actually, I have an interest in finishing my Ph.D., but I just know I never will.