I wanted to be what my high-school civics and history teacher thought of as a good American. That automatically involved taking an interest in government.

If I wasn't serving in Congress, I've always wanted to be a high school teacher. Specifically, I want to teach a course on modern American history and use Garry Trudeau's Doonesbury as a primary text.

I read the Scriptures at the American Cathedral on Christmas and Easter; that's it. It's a task I love.

I loved France, although I initially thought they were stubborn for always speaking French.

Playing good girls in the 30s was difficult, when the fad was to play bad girls. Actually I think playing bad girls is a bore; I have always had more luck with good girl roles because they require more from an actress.

I am attracted by almost any French word - written or spoken. Before I knew its meaning, I thought 'saucisson' so exquisite that it seemed the perfect name to give a child - until I learned it meant 'sausage!'