I am first, and foremost, an actor. That's what I am. To me, a song is a mini-drama. My musical ability informs the actor as well because it gives me a sense of timing that non-musicians don't have. So, one hand washes the other.

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.'

You always draw on your experiences with live audiences to know how to do comedy on films. You're working for a laugh that may or may not come six months later, but you're working in a vacuum at the time you are doing it.

I remain convinced that I can be a true universalist only when I am a better Jew.

I'm exceedingly proud of being an actor, but I never recommend it to anyone.

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.

Throughout my life I have cared as deeply about the songs of all peoples as I have about the rights of all peoples.