When I first joined SAG, there was another John Reilly. My dad was John Reilly, too, but growing up I was John John. Nobody in life calls me John C. It's more like, 'Hey you, Step Brother!'

I listen to a lot of Chicago blues, I suppose. It reminds me of growing up, I guess. But I'm also obsessed by close-harmony groups. Actually, I'm fascinated particularly by brother duos, how they blend together. The Everly Brothers, the Stanley Brothers, The McQuarrys. There's something inherently magical about harmony.

Surprising people is the key to career longevity for someone like me.

I considered a lot of different jobs as a kid. I thought about becoming a priest or a lawyer. My father had a big linen-supply business and I considered working for him. What dawned on me was: 'If I'm an actor, I get to do the fun parts of every job!' Without having to go to four years of law school.

I think it's a good trade to have to be versatile, to be adaptable, and be dependable, and that's one of the things that has enabled me to have the long career that I've had. It's definitely not because I'm good looking!

I didn't have any fixed goals when I joined the film industry. I don't particularly feel 'successful,' but I am grateful that my career is going well.

I want to win. I don't want to spend the rest of my career on a last-place team. That's not the kind of player I feel like I am.

The industry doesn't usually say nice things about my work. My films take a while till they are accepted as good and I think 'Yennai Arindhaal' too will go through that phase.