Sidney Poitier, who is class personified, said: Lou, youre a leading man because youre a good actor. Brought tears to my eyes.

I know there isn't anything I can do that will please everybody. But if I have done according to my beliefs, I sleep very very well.

It's not just in politics that you can be a servant of the people, you can do it in so many other ways.

I believe that during these times, we should not forget that many sacrificed to regain our democracy.

I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life.

I am not an icon of democracy. You are all, collectively, the icon of democracy.

There is much that women can bring into politics that would make our world a kinder, gentler place for humanity to thrive in.

Sometimes I only hope to make a good popcorn movie.

It's easier to stay in shape than to fluctuate.

I'm an actor first and foremost; it's my first love and passion.

Approach every film with the same enthusiasm, regardless of its budget.

The only power an actor has is the ability to say "no."

I would love to do some straight drama. A lot of times it's not up to the actor, it's up to the producer. It's up to the powers that be.

I'd love to do just straight theatre. I'd love to do film and television, too.

I like vodka tonics and gin & tonics. I also like gimlets. I like things that have sweetness with a bit of a kick.

I just refuse to date actors. I've done that, and I don't want to do that anymore. It's just the stress of traveling and being away from each other so much.

The thing about Sondheim is that it does get very cerebral. You do need a faculty with words and a love for the lyrics to not just pull it off, but to have an appreciation for it.

In the modern operas that 'Miss Saigon' and 'Les Miz' are, nobody breaks out into song from conventional book dialogue. Everything is sung from beginning to end, including the recitative.

I pride myself in the fact that in the six months tour of Cinderella, I didn't take one show off.