I think it's important to do great work.

I've always been able to let stuff go when I'm done with work.

I was always fraught with guilt, and it's such a waste of an emotion. It keeps you out of the moment of being where you are.

One of the things that's hardest as an actor is you are being critiqued constantly, and having your mother critiquing you can be challenging.

Also everyone's hearts are in the right place when you do a small movie. You're not doing it for the money; you're not doing it for the possibility of an Oscar nomination. You are doing it because you love the material.

I feel my job as an actor is to explore all sides of humanity.

Our family adopted Paulie from a shelter as an 8-week-old puppy. We've had him for 11 years, and I think it was valuable for the kids to learn to be responsible for a pet. It's a wonderful thing for families - the unconditional love you get from a pet is something you carry with you for the rest of your life.