Kevin Kline

I've got the Jewish guilt and the Irish shame and it's a hell of a job distinguishing which is which.

We're all animals, but we're a different sort of animal. Maybe they're better than us. They're more loyal. They're more pure. They're more simple. They're not neurotic. Well, there are some neurotic dogs.

Nothing makes an actor feel freer and more inventive and more creative than being trusted.

I just don't think I'm a very good singer.

I had studied piano since I was 13, but I was surrounded by students who'd been playing since they were 5. I realized I was never going to be anything but mediocre.

You know, actors are fans, too. And talent is very attractive to me.

I totally related to Cole Porter's magnetic pull to any piano that was in the room, which he was famous for doing, as was Gershwin. You couldn't drag them away from a piano.

Some of my favorite characters that I've played have been very pompous because I love making fun of pompous people.

I vowed I would never do a commercial, or a soap opera - both of which I did as soon as I left the Acting Company and was starving.

Most of the comedies I've done have been rather farcical and extravagant.

When you have satire, it has to be real. No matter how outrageous the comedy becomes, you have to believe in the characters.

Lots of people fantasize about what it would be like if they were president... Most think they'd be decent and wouldn't be corrupted at all, that they'd remain true to themselves.