I always say that comedians and actors were all kind of shy when they were young. I was very, believe it or not, kind of embarrassed as a child. But my mother was a very strong lady and she was the one that kept it going when I thought it would be over for me as a performer. She was always my inspiration and she was a big influence on me.

I think they [Martin Scorsese, Johnny Carson, Frank Sinatra] liked my honesty. My personality. For that, they always treated me great. I, in turn, treated them great. No secret about it. My being who I am - that is that.

I can sit all day in a comfortable chair and watch ball games, but I don't need a blanket.

You've got to be able to sell yourself.

When you enter a room, you have to kiss his ring. I don't mind, but he has it in his back pocket.

I cannot tell a joke. But I can do a situation, that it becomes a joke.

If I were to insult people and mean it, that wouldn't be funny.