I was preparing myself for the theater, and... I got a little job here and a job there, but it wasn't going well, and I considered some time before the mid-60s that maybe I should consider something else.

The goal wasn't to be a millionaire or to be a Hollywood star. That was not the goal. The goal was something about - the goal was to find the goal, but I knew where it was.

I got out of the Army - in my world - I came to New York, for instance, when the civil rights movement was just beginning, and that created a certain energy, a certain rumble, a certain impetus for black actors.

More and more, when I single out the person out who inspired me most, I go back to my grandfather.

I wish I had more control over my career, but making movies is something you do with lots of people.

It's very important to me to love what I do. It was important to me to find a career that I truly enjoy. You can find something that sort of excites you, that's half the battle of life.

I opted for a freelance writing career. I was lucky enough to have the means to do it.

That's what America's all about. Entrepreneurs who can start a business in their basement and have it grow into a global company - that's exactly what we want.