In my world, history comes down to language and art. No one cares much about what battles were fought, who won them and who lost them - unless there is a painting, a play, a song or a poem that speaks of the event.

We Jews have a special attachment to the Book. The study of page after page in tomes yellowing with age was obligatory.

Must we be put to shame by much smaller and poorer countries, by Ireland, France, Austria or Sweden, who have understood that a nation's support of its arts is a matter of both national pride and cultural survival?

Every actor wants to direct and produce, but I made a conscious decision when I was in college to understand the 'business' of 'show business.'

I am determined to give the Yiddish language a fighting chance to survive.

On the stage you're there, it's live. There's a beginning, a middle, an end. When something is funny you hear it right away.

I don't speak out because I am an actor nor will I keep silent because I am an actor. I respect my profession, but it endows me with no special privileges; but it also does not limit me or muzzle me. I am a person and a citizen with the attendant responsibilities of voice and vote.