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

I'm not like one of those actors who's a frustrated director.

I just feel like every time you get a part that's going to stretch you as an actor, you're going to grow by doing it.

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

The chance to play a romantic character who kisses somebody onscreen was one of the elements that made me want to do 'The Stand.' The more you can do, the better, and I've been known as a character actor.