Men hand out cigars. Women 'hand out' babies. And thus the world, for thousands of years, has gone round.

There is a divine moment in our lives when we all become one. It's called procreation, and it is reborn, continually and forever.

My favorite thing is to be alone in a room with a blank paper in front of me and the time to fill it.

A stage play requires very different craft from a book, fiction or otherwise, and ditto from a screenplay.

It helps to be able to be alone. 'Cuz writing is done alone, unless you collaborate, but I don't do that. Ask my ex-wife.

I am very abnormal... But it wasnt very long ago that I wasnt so abnormal. I was very normal and headed for a lifetime of paying medical bills as proof of my normalcy.

America is terrified of the passage of time. Prozac Nation. Land of Face Lifts.

It is all about marketing; that is where the real craft comes in. The best actors do not necessarily become the biggest stars. And vice versa.

I'm a classic example of what can happen if you follow your inner voice. I was cursed with interests and some talent in many different areas. It confuses people.

Children who cling to parents or who don't want to leave home are stunted in their emotional, psychological growth.

Change is good. And in fact unavoidable.

It sounds trite, but only because words make everything true sound trite. Because words always screw up what you're trying to say.

I wish I could help you" I whisper.You are, " he murmurs against my knee. "just dont leave me, okay? Everyone leaves me.

I don't think of myself of a late-show host any more than I think of myself of a game-show host. I mean, I've done both, I've been an actor. I'm just kind of a carny, that's it.

But I went to the University of Texas in the 30s, and while there I learned to ride. Mostly polo ponies.

When I'm in my normal mood, music drips from my fingers.

As an actor, you always want to find a piece of who you are in every role you take on.

You shouldn't be afraid of science. Accepting the reality of nature makes life more exciting and even more precious.

For me, the first sign of oncoming madness is that I'm unable to write.

I am vain. I think vanity is a good thing. It's done more good things for me than it has not.

Any artist must expect to work amid the total, rational indifference of everybody else to their work, for years, perhaps for life.