I got knockback after knockback at auditions. Just before ‘Mulholland Dr.’ my agent told me I was so intense I was freaking people out. She told me I was a brilliant actor but the feedback was that I made people feel uncomfortable because I was so nervous and intense. I just sat there and blubbed. My mum was staying in LA at the time and I went to her and said: ‘I just can’t do this. I’m not cut out for it.’ She just said: ‘Don’t believe a word people say about you. Forget them.’

But once you become active in something, something happens to you. You get excited and suddenly you realize you count.

My mentality is like a Samurai: They used to every day work on their technique to make themselves almost perfect. Because perfection is impossible, but every day, you get closer to perfection.

Track and field is the best way to reach out for kids. It doesn't matter how fast you are. You always want to beat someone.

Make yourself necessary to the world, and mankind will give you bread.

Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on