I don't watch much television. My old TV agent used to always get mad at me because he'd send me out on auditions and I'd be like, 'What's this show?' and he'd be like, 'It's literally the top show on television.' I wasn't allowed to watch TV as a kid.

I did 'Mad Men' and I still have people come up to me like, 'Are you actually a lesbian?' Really? Just because I play one on TV? People will think what they're gonna think.

My dad has always been really helpful. He taught me that talent is a bonus, but persistence is what wins out.

But my father was also the one who told me I needed to clean up my mouth or I'd never find a man. What's very important to him is manners. Show up on time. Always send thank-you letters. He is one of the more thoughtful humans I've ever met. He's a great man and a very good dad.

With 'Girls,' it doesn't really feel like I'm doing TV specifically. It just feels like we're making a really long film.

Comedy arises out of necessity, because some things are so dark that you have to laugh about it.