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 created the role of Captain Von Trapp.

But, when I toil in the field of Jewish culture which I frequently do, I am indeed a Jewish artist.

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.'

In my world, history comes down to language and art.

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

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.