My idol when I was growing up was Michael Jordan the basketball player because of his work ethic rather than his talent and because of what he went through to be as good as he was.

I feel very fortunate to be compared to somebody so incredible. Michael Jackson's an icon.

I have really great, great parents, and they were very supportive of me.

I'm a perfectionist. I can't help it, I get really upset with myself if I fail in the least.

I was very shy as a kid but when I found out I could perform and have people's attention everything changed for me. My mom likes to joke that until I was eight or nine I only knew what my sneakers looked like because I constantly walked around with my head down. But all of a sudden the stage made sense and that's what brought me out of my shell and a monster was created.

I sort of dreamed about directing before my career as an actor took off. I've directed stage before in so many capacities on tours. I put that together. You have to. Otherwise, it's your statement. It's your voice, and that has to come through.

I would never do anything just for spite.