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

Filmmaking is such a collaborative piece of art that you can’t look to one person – you couldn’t look to me, you couldn’t say, ‘Because Vin’s in it, it’s this or that.’ It’s really all of us coming together for that period of time to try and make magic.

You get a timeless cool card in New York.

Of course, I don’t act in an extreme fashion in my day to day life. I don’t think any of us live do. I think we all have that reserve somewhere and we pull upon it when we need it.

I grew up with all kinds of people.

It’s really bizarre because no one knows this, but elephants have killed more animal trainers than any other animal.

I was the oldest of the children in my family. I had to do a lot of diaper-changing and lunch-making. I was taking my little sister to ballet, picking up my brother, sort of being a super-nanny.

I started acting when I was seven-years-old. By the time I was 17 I would say: “If I’m not a star by the time I’m 18, I’ll get out of the business.”

I used to feel guilty about owning a console.

That’s what I love. I love thinking about the film, the project and committing myself as much as possible.

The whole year I was in LA I got into telemarketing and learned how to make money. Five years later that skill helped me make my first film.

I’m not disciplined enough to be a writer consistently. I write when I have to.

Deal-making goes on with any job.

I love women more than anything.

Choosing the car you drive is like choosing your wardrobe, maybe even more important.

A person in my position has to restrain himself.

I haven’t had that many weird encounters with fans, thank God.

The tyrant is a child of pride.

Take personal responsibility. A lot of people go, ‘Well, I’ll get a dog because I have a kid and a kid needs a dog.’ And it doesn’t work out for that dog and the dog is on the street.

The greatest gift you can give your children is to believe in them.

I endured many weeks of it, but I had a big background in martial arts and fighting as a kid, so kind of all the problems got brushed away and I was ready.

Small children do not belong at an adult party, and especially should not be used like trained midgets to help serve martinis.

Ever since I was a child I’ve always been very attracted to melodies. Whether I hear Jeff Beck, a choir, an ocean or the wind, there’s always a melody in there.

Kids learn by example. If I respect Mom, they’re going to respect Mom.

When I was young, I didn’t play like I do today. So these kids are starting at the height that I’ve reached. Think what they might do over time.