I did come to L.A. to try to get on TV and get in front of a camera, so I could have a stage career in New York.

I think that, just like the art scene and the music scene is exploding in LA - I mean, let's face it: if you want to be an artist you cannot live in New York anymore because it is too expensive…

We all come from different levels, and I think every human has their own relationship to violence, athletic violence and fighting.

I played baseball in college, and then I went to Russia to study acting and played some pro ball over there.

Fighting really does reveal everything to the other guy. It's not just about who can beat up to or who's tougher, it's who bullies who and who goes easy on who. You change from opponent, so it's about how you deal with a challenge and how you deal with a guy who you can handle easily.

I come from athletics and I have a pretty big boxing background, so I never really shy away or get nervous about the physical rigors of filmmaking.

My time in Moscowmade a man of memade me an artistthere was a reality and a brutality of life that I think was very important, as a young American, for me to see.