Culturally, I think 'All in the Family' was universal enough to have good timing at any time.

I guess the story that best defines us [with Bud Yorkin] and our relationship goes back to the [Dean] Martin and [Jerry] Lewis show. The four stage managers on that show became major TV creators and directors - John Rich, Jack Smight, Arthur Penn and Bud Yorkin.

I was writing for live television. And I said to myself, someday, soon as I can, I have got to do a situation comedy.

If there was a sense of - a bigger sense of responsibility in the various leadership positions in America, things would be not as grotesquely overly done as they are now.

The establishment uses that rationale all the time, and that's why we do what we do. But leadership requires some understanding that you can say no. People have base instincts, but the transcendent also appeal to them.

I was the laziest white kid my dad ever met.

I don't know how you can look back with regret if you're at a moment when everything seems fine.