I think I was afraid of what I might say when I got onto someone's stage or in front of someone's camera.

I like New York because you're kind of forced to smell everybody else's funk. So it keeps you biologically attached to the world around you.

When you go to a restaurant, the less you know about what happens in the kitchen, the more you enjoy your meal.

I like to do theater and hopefully be effective. Most actors, at least contemporary actors of my generation, can't do it. They don't have the chops.

Shaft was a pop culture figure along t he lines of, I guess, Dirty Harry - except that he wasn't as much of a racist. So yeah, I was always a fan.

The reason why things work is because of love.

Well, I like to be kept on my toes. I look for a challenge. I don't like to recreate steps that I've already walked. I like to see if I can create something new.

As much as we teach our kids, the process teaches us. If we're being diligent, we're learning from our strengths as parents, but also from the mistakes that we make.

New York is the greatest character actor ever. Any film that is shot in New York is elevated by the city.

You're a master on blues piano. The real deal.

The line between being a nurturing parent and an over-bearing, damaging parent is one that's very delicate.

Battling wolves today strengthens you for battling lions tomorrow.

The secret of happiness is to count your blessings while others are adding up their troubles.

Every day, I wake up and say, 'Good Morning, Jesus.'

They also swear who only stand and wait.

People think of the military as being about guns and fighting wars, but it's really about service to country and community.

The Sting of a reproach, is the Truth of it.

For some time now, I have been encouraging people to ask themselves why things look the way they do.

That's my advice for indie filmmakers: Marry a supermodel.

You need shoving, not pushing. You need to jump back on that camel. Otherwise you're going to stay up on the ledge you've made for yourself.

Talking is good. Conversations have to be forever.