I started out as an actor, but I forced myself to be a writer, even though I wasn't very good at it and had never written. I don't think I ever passed an English course in my life. My first eight to 10 scripts were pretty horrendous, but I stayed at it, stayed at it, and stayed at it, until I eventually found a voice and a subject like Rocky that people were interested in.

I wish my daughters would box. I'm so worried about the guys coming up to them. I would love them to be able to smack a guy right off a bar stool.

When life hits you pretty hard, you can go into a dark corner.

Action is always seen as the bottom rung of thespian endeavour, that's just the way it is.

I think there comes a time when you realize that you need God in your life, God's Word, and the spiritual guidance that only He can give.

Going in one more round when you don't think you can - that's what makes all the difference in your life.

Most action is based on redemption and revenge, and that's a formula. Moby Dick was formula. It's how you get to the conclusion that makes it interesting.