The greatest gift that an actor can have is good scripts because then you're relieved of the responsibility of trying to elevate the material.

I've always believed my success in the entertainment business is an inevitability. You have to believe that; you have to be an optimist.

I had been in the gym training for many, many years, but I definitely stepped it up when it was time to get into shape to play 'Lights'. I began trying to live the life of a boxer, and that means everything that you would expect.

I love boxing. I really respect the guys and admire the guys who do it. But, I'm very, very happy with my career as an actor. I made the right choice.

You can get into a place in your life where you no longer are in control of events, and events are in control of you.

I take my hat off to my friend, Mark Wahlberg, because I know that it took him a long time to make 'The Fighter,' and he overcame a lot of obstacles to do it, and now the film is an unqualified success.

If you're going to play a champion athlete, people expect you to look a certain way, and you also have to have the stamina to be able to continue to perform.