From a Buddhist point of view, emotions are not real. As an actor, I manufacture emotions. They're a sense of play. But real life is the same. We're just not aware of it.
My biggest problem in my life is I'm cheap and I didn't hire a publicist. In every awkward interview, normally actors get these things scripted.
I have always been attracted to difficult work. There really doesn't seem much point in looking for the easy life as an actor. I would simply get bored.
On 'Southland,' when a helicopter joins our scene, we don't skip a beat. The actors talk louder because that's what cops do in real life.
I think, from every actor I've ever spoken to, they say the biggest thing they regret from life is not finishing school.
The hardest part of directing is the choosing. Unlike an actor who can do a variety of work, it is a year of your life, you can't afford to get it wrong.
In real life, every person is the leading man or woman. We don't think of ourselves as supporting or character actors.
I think it's the same to be an actress anywhere because the profession is about attitudes towards events - it is a process to try to understand life. I think this is the case for actors across the world.
I guess confidence is the only thing that I take from project to project, but I'm always open to learning everybody's style - the director, the actor I'm working with.
Actors, we like stories, we like storytelling, we love being a part of the story, and if you give us a story that's interesting then we'll want to do it.
I like some of the early silent films because I love to watch how actors had to play then. What would interest me today is to do a silent film.
I've always played nice guys, so I'd love to be someone that creates a bit of confrontation. I know that sounds bad, but as an actor, I want to explore different things.
I really love doing what I do, being an actor. It's the greatest. You can do it until you die.
American naturalism is what my indulgent actor side loves: a bit of Tennessee Williams, a bit of Clifford Odets, August Wilson - I would just love to tackle some of that.
I think for any actor to say they don't like attention is ridiculous. Of course we love attention. But getting attention is different than pretending the attention means something.
You go to New York or L.A., and every waiter wants to be a writer, director or actor. But there's a common thread: everybody wants to do it because they love it.
As an actor, I've always said, half the audience is going to love you, half is going to hate you so just live with it. It's easier that way.
I would really love to direct one day. I think there are certain actors who love the character and the performance and that's all they want to be a part of.
I do love my work. As an actor, you live from job to job, though, and you have to be prepared for that.
Inspiration can come from anywhere. But I do love actors. I wish I could drop a bunch of names, but there are just too many.
I love character actors. If I'm switching channels, and something with Slim Pickens is on, or Walter Brennan, I'm stuck. I have to watch it.
