Lee Strasberg told me I had talent. Real talent. It was the first time that anyone, except my father--who had to say so--told me I was good. At anything. It was a turning point in my life. I went to bed thinking about acting. I woke up thinking about acting. It was like the roof had come off my life!

I am still baffled by those who feel that criticizing America is unpatriotic, a view increasingly being adopted in the United States since 9/11 as an excuse to render suspect what has always been an American right. An active, brave, outspoken (and heard) citizenry is essential to a healthy democracy.

When I was in my 40s was I simply produced my own movies because no one offered me anything. But certainly after 50 it's hard for a woman, which is why television is such a welcoming thing.

If you're ever in a situation where you're not getting served or you can't get what you need, just cry.

People think actresses find public speaking easy, and it's not easy at all; we're used to hiding behind masks.

Food is more than a matter of taste-it is the fuel for our bodies.

I feel like when I was an adolescent, and felt so unworthy of love and so empty, I moved outside of myself.