I sang in the choir for years, even though my family belonged to another church.

I feel now it's useless to keep hoping. The way things are today, we live in a world that needs laughter, and I've decided if I can make people laugh, I'm making a more important contribution.

My father was adamant in his disapproval of my interest in show business.

My table seats eight, so that's my maximum. Having a small number of guests is the only way to generate good conversation. Besides, your whole house doesn't get wrecked that way.

Mothers don't want to pinch me or put me in their purse.

Comedy is exaggerated realism. It can be stretched to the almost ludicrous, but it must always be believable.

I often go on a liquid fast a couple of days a week. I never take just water. Instead, I'll have maybe six glasses of vegetable and fruit juices a day.