When I was growing up in the house, we'd watch the Oscars.

Since I got into the movies, 'Running Scared,' that did $40 million. 'Princess Bride,' I got good reviews for the character Miracle Max. 'Memories of Me' didn't do well. 'Throw Mama from the Train' did $70 million. 'Harry and Sally' did 95 or 96. 'City Slickers' did $120 million.

My dad, Jack, had a great sense of humour and had a strong impact on me and my humour.

The decision-making process was very difficult: is this how I want my career to start, with playing Jodie Dallas on this show?

Irony is the gaiety of reflection and the joy of wisdom.

My father was a food lover and a deadbeat dad, and maybe a connection between good food and bad dads was forged early, in the deepest folds of my subconscious, where we make so many decisions about our parents.

I read a whole lot as a child, and, of course, I still read children's books.

I come from a family of compulsive collectors, and my first memories are really all about collecting. I remember visiting flea markets with my mother or my grandmother - she goes to local ones around Varese, Italy, every Sunday when she's at home.