I think that I've tried many times to get Cuba in my writings, especially Havana, which was once a great and fascinating city.

I think all writing is done through memory.

I have assiduously avoided calling my books novels.

I describe my works as books, but my publishers in Spain, in the United States, and elsewhere insist on calling them novels.

Being able to laugh at a situation can help you hang on to your perspective. And there's an intimacy in laughter that nothing else can come close to.

In everyday life, I use positive thoughts, sense of humor, Taekwondo, running, and yoga to make me stronger.

When I did comedy I made fun of myself. If there was a buffoon, I played the buffoon.

Comedy can be quite all consuming at times, and if you're not careful you end up doing a tour, then a DVD, then another tour then a DVD. Suddenly the years have just flown by.