The biggest compliment I think an actor can get is I can't imagine anyone else in the role.

I also write plays, so I understand the writers mind, and how obsessed you can get writing.

I never starved. And you know, whatever talent I have, I've relied on that, versus image or star.

I never starved. And you know, whatever talent I have, I've relied on that, versus image or star. I have just said, 'Hire me if you want somebody good.' I tried to be as good as I could be every time out, and that's kind of bridged the decades.

Are we just pretending to be unhappy so that we can add drama to our lives, so that we seem more substantial?

Regardless of the fact that in this country, certainly in the arts, we treat comedy as a second-class citizen, I've never thought of it that way. I've always thought it to be important. The last time I looked, the Greeks were holding up two masks. I've always thought of it not only as having equal value, but as the craft of it, being funny.

I never said, 'I'm going to be a big star.' I said, 'I'm going to be a good actor.' And that took the pressure off.