I started a theater called Steppenwolf. We've been very supportive of the veterans there.

So for, you know, for a good 20 years now I've been involved with veterans and soldiers and in support of them no matter what they're doing.

I have veterans in my family. But I didn't know anything about DAV, Disabled American Veterans.

Before discovering theater, I was sloughing off and didn't have any passion for school. Then I couldn't get enough. All of a sudden, I was getting good parts in all of these plays. I just loved it. I started getting A's in acting, directing and technical theater. I found something that clicked.

I can honestly say that I've done everything I've wanted to do, always. Not without difficulty. But every time I wanted to do something, I just did it, from the age of 18 when I started my own theater with my friends. When I decided I wanted to act. I just bit the bullet.

I started as an actor. I started directing because Steppenwolf needed another strong director.