George Chakiris

So many years later, you watch yourself, and you're not critical of yourself anymore 'cause that's behind you. ”

I made movies with some very nice people, experienced actors. ”

To be honest, I think I have a nice voice. A good voice... and I loved recording. ”

I had a recording contract with Capitol Records. I loved recording and being in that studio. I made four albums. ”

No matter how dark the moment, love and hope are always possible. ”

One of my favorite credits is to say that I worked behind Marilyn Monroe, and I love saying that. She was phenomenal. ”

It sounds corny to say, but we're like a family. That experience for all of us really created a bond... The 'West Side Story' experience, it really is a family. There's a closeness that has continued. ”

The first thing that was intimidating was when I started rehearsing to play Riff in the London company. That first day of rehearsal, I thought, 'Oh my God, I'm never going to learn this. I'm too slow.' ”

I don't believe I was jinxed or hexed by winning an Academy Award in my first picture, 'West Side Story.' ”

It's kind of wild and wonderful that 'West Side Story' continues to have a life after all these years. And when you see young people who are really engrossed by this film, that's so beautiful. ”