I think it's important to visit people in prison. And if you know anyone in prison, I would encourage you very much to visit them. They're a good audience! I always get good letters from prisoners. I don't usually answer them because I have a lot going on in my life, but I get some really good ones, I get some really good letters from prison.

I've signed peoples' parole cards at book signings and it's very touching.

I never had any desire to get a tattoo. If I was ever going to get one, I would get a plain anchor with a rope around it, the most unimaginative possible tattoo, like Popeye had.

I think [parents] became very proud, even though they were mortified by the early films because no one liked them.

[My catholic education] sticked with me. It caused the rage I had to make 'Pink Flamingos.'

Catholics have more extreme sex lives because they're taught that pleasure is bad for you. Who thinks it's normal to kneel down to a naked man who's nailed to a cross? It's like a bad leather bar.

Get on the fashion nerves of your peers, not your parents - that is the key to fashion leadership.