You do a movie [where] you like the script [and] it has something to say that you care about. And there are certain people in this industry that you kind of stick with. Guys like [“The Congressman” producer] Fred Roos. They call you, and if you’re not working, that’s what you do.

When people realize you're not the stuffed shirt they think you are it's such a relief and you have people who really like to be around you.

You asked me my favorite question: What happened and what did you learn from being under contract to MGM? And the answer is I know how to make movies. I understand how to do that. I've been doing that my whole life. It's just easier to raise the money yourself and then hire yourself. It's possible if you reduce your own budget a little.

I never took the work less than serious, my work ethic is ingrained in me. But I've always had a sense of humor about myself.

There's so many characters they [studios] are not letting me play. And I thought, "Why don't you just go produce it yourself?".

Entertainment was transportation. You were supposed to take somebody out of their seat and bring them back in. You’re not supposed to impose your values or your supposed knowledge to manipulate or control people. That was not your job. You were not supposed to use the bully pulpit of Hollywood to pound people with ideas. You’re there to entertain.

There are two schools of thought. A manager would tell you that must make them realize you're a dedicated actor and I took a totally different route than that. I never ever took myself seriously.