Even through my college years, I was trying out plays and shows, but I never really thought it made much sense to try to be an actor. I thought it was foolish, really.

After my father had seen me in five or six things, he said, Son, your mother and I really enjoyed your recent film, and I must say that you're a lot like John Wayne. And I said, How so? And he said, Well, you're exactly the same in all your roles. Now, as a modern American actor, that's not what you want to hear. But for a guy who watched John Wayne movies and grew up in Iowa, it's a sterling compliment.

Page one of the script, I launch into, "How would I feel if I were in this position?" That's an actor's job.

I know something great will come around the corner, and that's what I'll be doing next.

Whatever you hold onto that you want to do, and that other people tell you you are foolish to want to do, don't give up.

You know, what I like about 'The Family Tree' is it's a kitchen sink movie; you can't think of anything that it doesn't either throw into the story for conflict or poke fun at or attack, even, so I like it.

Like everyone else, I try to do quality work with great directors. But much of it has to do with luck.