Figuring things out for yourself is the only freedom anyone really has. Use that freedom.

People who get involved with the success of something have to be given at least some share of that success.

I took acting lessons when I was 19, 20, and I had my writing.

I'm totally anonymous until I open my bloody mouth and people recognize the voice.

People are either enamored with me or wonder if they can take me.

I'm never going to be the lead actor guy. I'm real quiet and real happy and real fortunate to keep working. It's what I do. It's like the circus. I ran away and joined it a long time ago.

One of the young production assistants (on 'Terminator: Salvation') stepped over to my chair and said, 'Mr. Ironside, are you any relation to the Ironside who was in 'Top Gun'?' And I said, 'I am, yes.' And she grinned and said, 'I knew it! Talent must run in your family!' And she walked away. And all of the producers and directors kind of looked at me uncertainly, and I said, 'What are you guys so uncomfortable for? That's an incredible compliment. I do look like the father of that guy, for Christ's sake!'