When I started out in independent films in the early 70s, we did everything for the love of art. It wasn't about money and stardom. That was what we were reacting against. You'd die before you'd be bought.

It's a whole other way of working when you work in films: You know exactly the arc of your character.

I'm a fool for a good role in a creative piece where there are really such talented writers and wonderful actors.

I may be ignorant but I ain't stupid!

You relate to a character and you find that character within yourself. It's all parts of me. I don't leave characters behind. I just let them go.

My parents were devoted. Civic minded. We had family counsels. Three of us children against two of them. We lived a 'Leave It to Beaver' time.

If I hadn’t left Texas, I might not have met the director Terrence Malick, and I wouldn’t have met my husband and I wouldn’t have had the children that I’ve had. Life is interesting like that.