I got my Equity card from an audition out of Backstage. We did 'Guys and Dolls' and 'Kismet.'

I did feel Dr. Cox, the character that I was auditioning for, was too similar to the head of the hospital. He was too arrogant and mean. I approached him kind of like I had a miniature Max sitting on my shoulder. I pictured Max saying, "This guy has got to give love every once in a while. He has to!" I knew there had to be tiny little windows of redemption.

I am a father. My son's name is Max and my daughter's name is Billie Grace. Twelve years ago Max was born with Down Syndrome. His journey has been complicated by infantile seizures, sleep apnea, dietary challenges and now, puberty!

Dr. Cox mentors the rookie doctors with a spoonful of dirt and then a cup of sugar. I see him as an archetypal descendent of two of my favorite curmudgeonly characters: Lou Grant and Louie De Palma.

My son, Max, was born the day Princess Di died.

I like to be in waiting rooms with people as they're auditioning, because their terror calms me.

I wanted to be Red Barber, Mel Allen or Howard Cosell. I loved their personalities and all of their sounds.