Dennis Christopher

Because of fear, and the way my career went, I started playing a lot of villainous roles.

I've had a 'Zelig'-like career. I pop up unexpectedly. I'm always kind of around.

I had a bike as a kid, and when I worked in Manhattan - I had a 10-speed - I rode from downtown to 68th and Madison for my day job. I knew about fighting traffic, but nothing about racing.

I've done three Broadway shows; once the curtain goes up, that's it. I mean, you prepare and you rehearse like crazy, but after opening night, the director's not there anymore, you know. He gives you notes during previews after each performance, but opening night, you're on your own.

I'd always keep going back to the acting. Once the rent was paid, and the phone bill, the next money you had was for acting classes.

The cult of celebrity turned me off, and when the opportunities came along for me to play different characters, that's what I went for rather than the safe choices.

I've never chosen or rejected a role because of money.

I have my opinions about the way my father was. But they are my opinions, not necessarily the truth, and they are certainly not the whole spectrum of what this man was going through. It's my young, selfish interpretation of that person.

The secret is that I am Italian.

Breaking Away' was a great experience. It's the kind of movie that engenders a lot of goodwill from people. It's a movie that they cherish. and I feel very welcomed and accepted by people because of that.

You don't get paid a whole lot for theatre, but you know, I feel more like, 'Where could I buy this experience, and how much would it cost? Who else would give me this kind of focus and put me in a room with this kind of talent?'

Breaking Away' was a great experience. It's the kind of movie that engenders a lot of goodwill from people.