When people are grieving, it's kind of like a storm, and you need something to grab onto, but often you have to brave it on your own.

My family was very encouraging, and both of my grandparents were both beautiful singers. My grandmother was a coloratura soprano, and my grandfather was an Irish tenor in a barbershop quartet.

I always loved bluegrass, but there was so much I didn't know about American country music in respect to the origins of this country. It was interesting to see the evolution of it.

I was classically trained in operetta from about age 4, I think.

As an actor, I function from a place of compassion and empathy - you have to believe 100 percent what your character is doing, because otherwise it will look like it's not real.

My parents listened to music in our house all the time when we were growing up. It was everything from Dolly Parton to Paul Simon... We packed in everything.

Music's always been a big part of my life, but it kind of all happened in one big ball of storytelling rather than splitting acting and singing apart.

Playing it safe might not have hurt anyone, but it wouldn’t have inspired many, either.

The hurt that troubled children create is never greater than the hurt they feel.

Just as no monkey is as good-looking as the ugliest of humans, no academic is worthier than the worst of the creators

Growing up, all I did was play sports. I always loved music, but I never even thought I'd be on stage one day.

Laughter is easier minute by minute, spilled with prodigality, tipped out at a cheerful word.

There are chance meetings with strangers that interest us from the first moment, before a word is spoken.

I'm uncomfortable trying to rush change of perception, except to the extent that I'm going to write a book.

Always focus on the outcome of a desired act.

So easy to fall into a rut, isn't it? Why should ruts be so comfortable and so unpopular?