I am a Zionist, an ardent supporter of Israel, its defender when I deem Israel to be right and its critic when I deem it to be wrong.

The play is always fresh to me. It's not the audience's fault that I've said the words before.

I am a universalist, passionately devoted to the cause of equality within the human family.

I do prefer the stage. It's really the granddaddy of them all.

An actor is supposed to emulate life. Instead, alas, many are imitating other actors. You don't fashion your knowledge of theatre or your approach to a role on the basis of what other actors have done. This kind of thinking is a great danger, especially in dealing with TV producers who frequently say things like, 'This is a Sean Connery type.'

If I have one vanity wish, it would be to direct. It's the only thing I haven't done yet that I would like to.

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