The handicap of deafness is not in the ear; it is in the mind.

I hope I inspire people who hear. Hearing people have the ability to remove barriers that prevent deaf people from achieving their dreams.

I have always resisted putting limitations on myself, both professionally and personally.

I listen to Billy Joel. He is fabulous. I saw him with Elton John when they toured together, it was so great.

When I was 13, I told Henry Winkler I wanted to act. He said, Do it and don't let anyone stand in your way. His validation just made it all the more true. I haven't stopped thanking him since.

When you're up for an award at the Oscars, try as you might, it's hard to concentrate on the show.

We had a dog, Apples. He was 13 years old, toothless, blind and had the worst breath this side of Jabba the Hut. But he was the sweetest dog, and I cried and cried when he died.