I consider the television set as the American fireplace, around which the whole family will gather.

I just want to be known as a clown because to me, that's the height of my profession. It means you can do everything - sing, dance and, above all, make people laugh.

I've put on a lot of weight... I only weighed six and a half pounds when I was born.

I don't need glasses, but I've just reached the age where curiosity is greater than vanity.

We also sleep in separate beds. Hers is in California and mine is in Texas

I'd have avoided some of the pain if I could. Anyone would. But I wouldn't have missed knowing any of the people-even the ones whose leaving hurt most. In fact, the only thing I'm sorry about is that I didn't meet one particular guy, a clown named Joe Skelton. You know, he sure picked the right profession. I mean, a clown's got it all. He never has to hold back: He can do as he pleases. The mouth and the eyes are painted on. So if you wanta cry, you can go right ahead. The make up won't smear. You'll still be smiling. . . .

I left home because I was hungry.