I believe in a set of values I cannot live by.

It's hard to make a living in any of the arts. When most people think of artists, they think of the stars and the celebrities. But that's such a tiny minority of the elites who are able to make those millions of dollars. The reality is that it's very hard for the rest to make a living as an artist. So, you really have to persevere and understand that achieving the sort of success where you're making the big money is like winning the lottery.

In interviews, the first question I get in America is always: 'What do you do to stay young?' I do nothing. I don't think aging is a problem ... I'm so surprised that the emphasis on aging here is on physical decay, when aging brings such incredible freedom. Now what I want most is laughs. I don't want to hurt anybody by laughing -- there is no meanness to it. I just want to laugh.

You dont do an experimental film to become rich, so the people who are involved are involved because they enjoy the creative aspect of it.

I don't think a Hollywood actor is safe from acting in the rain: it all depends on the film.

Although Dorothy in Blue Velvet was humiliated and hurt by men, basically I could react to how she felt.

But I don't really see myself as a role model. I'm not a dictator, or someone who wants to be adored!