Quotes

[9/1/98, in interview in "Daily News", about following his own gut in career choices] I was 18, did a couple of things on TV, then I did Ordinary People (1980) and when you are fortunate enough to be in a movie like that, working with Robert Redford as the director and the movie is as well received as it was, it would be ludicrous to have a master plan for a career. So next, I was in Wayne, PA, doing Taps (1981) and then I was back in New York working with Sidney Lumet doing an ensemble movie called Daniel (1983). And I turned down a starring role in Risky Business (1983), even though all my agents and manager said I was crazy. But I looked at it and asked myself, "What was the experience going to be like? What will I learn?" And looking back at myself at 23, being able to work with Sidney Lumet and E.L. Doctorow, I have absolutely no regrets. I learned stuff that will stay with me forever.

[Upon receiving his Academy Award for Ordinary People (1980)] This is for my dad. I wish he were here to see it.

[on George C. Scott] It was amazing just to stand by him and see him at work on Taps (1981)--a real experience to see such discipline and concentration.