“My mom used to say that I became a fighter and a scrapper and a tough guy to protect who I am at my core.”

I grew up in an artists community in New York, in a building that was government-subsidised for artists. No one made any money, but they made art for the sake of art.

With age, you get to a place where you don’t want to knock people out. You just want to give people a hug.

I always want another actor to shine in my scene because it makes the film stronger. I would encourage people to scene steal, because filmmaking is a collaborative effort.

My mother is the most supportive mother in the world, she’s magical.

When I’m writing, I’m locking myself in a room. I’m the worst critic in the world. I write something and then I beat myself up. I’m like “Vin, you’re retarded, that makes no sense.”

I’m an actor. I can do whatever I want. As an actor, not everything has to be the most obvious choice. And sometimes, the best thing you can do is to defy expectations.

I’m not really afraid of the dark, except if I’m walking. The thing that scares me the most is the possibility of walking into a wall and busting my lip.

When people believe in you, you can do miraculous things.

When I was a child actor, I had the fear that I was going to be cast as the tree.

I’m going to do my best to channel the character on a spiritual level.

The films that I do are deep, introspective, brooding roles that you’re in this heavy headspace all the time.

I envision the future sunny and with love, harmony and oneness. I think Hollywood is changing.

I’ve directed independent film.

If you think about my filmography, I have never done a movie that a kid could go see, except for Iron Giant, and I’m not even on the screen.

Show me how you drive and I’ll show you who you are.

My gut feeling about sequels is that they should be premeditated: You should try to write a trilogy first or at least sketch out a trilogy if you have any faith in your film.

It is hard to fight desire; but to control it is the sign of a reasonable man.

Only person I’m scared of fighting is Paris Hilton.

If you fight with all your might, there is a chance of life; where as death is certain if you cling to your corner.

Do not fight the person. Fight the problem.

Humor was another of the soul’s weapons in the fight for self-preservation.

My goal is to continue to learn, grow, and elevate my competition with every fight.

A champion team needs only a small window of opportunity to stage a fightback, something I had learnt over the years.

There’s something about beating another human into the ground who also has the ability to fight for his life and the opportunity to take yours. it makes you feel particularly great when you win.