When I became successful, I put up a caution. I didn't think it was fair to have the shadow of that kind of success thrown on my family. And I was cautious about being taken by things that could destroy you.

The way you really find out about the performer's seriousness about the cause is how long they stay with it when the spotlight gets turned off. You see a lot of celebrities switch gears. They go from the environment to animal rights to obesity or whatever. That I don't have a lot of respect for.

The technology available for film-making now is incredible, but I am a big believer that it's all in the story.

As an artist I just can't think of a better life than the one I've been blessed with. It's just a great ride.

Storytelling is important. Part of human continuity.

The country is so wounded, bleeding, and hurt right now. The country needs to be healed-it's not going to be healed from the top, politically. How are we going to heal? Art is the healing force.

Success is a tricky mistress. It's nice to have but it's a tricky thing to embrace.