I realize I'm a very lucky man. I love what I do, I love films, TV and theater, and the fact that I'm able to make a living at it staggers me.

I have several dogs and several cats who aren't really mine. In fact, they think that I am theirs. I'd like to have some goats and chickens, but I travel around too much.

When you're in a movie, they treat you like you're four years old and give you whatever you want. On some level it's really wonderful and gratifying, but on another level it's rather disturbing. I'm sure you've spoken to movie stars and wondered: How do these people survive without babysitters?

I can relate to historical characters or imaginary ones. It doesn't matter if a story takes place in the future or in the present, as long as the story is compelling.

I can count on one hand the directors who actually directed me.

My parents moved to American Samoa when I was three or four years old. My dad was principal of a high school there. It was idyllic for a kid. I had a whole island for a backyard. I lived there until I was eight years old and we moved to Santa Barbara.

TV, in particular cable channels, has assumed the role of independent film.