Quotes

[on being typecast as bums and drunks] Probably because I look like a dirty drunk and a drifter. They say we play best what we are. God! I hope that's not true.

I wish to work for any director willing to hire me.

Maybe the film industry has changed. I'm not so sure. I do know that most of the people I didn't piss off are no longer in power.

[on John Carpenter] John is a very special filmmaker. He has already shot every single angle of the movie inside his head prior to arriving on the set. He is also a master of communication. If one doesn't know what's going on at all times during a Carpenter shoot, one wasn't paying attention. He is also very quiet for the most part. John knows he's the director and seems to feel there is no reason to remind people of that fact.

[on being frequently cast as drunken bums] I've done that character so many times that when somebody says "Saw you do a drunk on a park bench," I have no idea what movie they're talking about.

[on John Carpenter] Strangely enough I only know Mr. Carpenter professionally, not at all socially. He seems to like my work and I owe the man one hell of a lot.

There's only one good job on a movie set. Actor! It's the only position where you are responsible to only yourself. Screenwriter is, among the positions I have held, the biggest heart-breaker. I believe it was [screenwriter] Earl Felton who said, "You know you have a good story when everyone involved wants to write their own version."

[on working with Stan Winston on Pumpkinhead (1988)] . . . a very pleasant experience. The man is not only extremely creative, he is also a true gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor.