During a visit to California, when a friend of my grandmother's told my parents that I must be deaf because I was not responding to sounds, my father was absolutely convinced that I was simply being stubborn.

How many deaf people do you know in real life? Unless they live in a cave, or are 14, which seems to be true for most people in this business, what could I possibly tell them that they don't already know?

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

I find the mantle of, she works hard for the money, or, she's overcome so many obstacles a bit overused.

I'm different, and my manner invites questions. I'm never afraid to answer.

I got a good handshake. A lot of executives tell me I have the best handshake in Hollywood.

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