When we read stories of heroes we identify with them. We take the journey with them. We see how the obstacles almost overcome them. We see how they grow as human beings or gain qualities or show great qualities of strength and courage and with them we grow in some small way.

I wouldn't compare myself to any past Idol contestant because I don't feel like I am like any of them. Maybe stories are cool but my story is different from most people's story. I don't like to compare myself to other people I like to just be me.

Orlando's a part of me. The next guy's a part of me. And the next guy's a part of me. That's all I'm trying to do is tell cool stories that people can relate to.

I'm finding as I get older that I'm not much of a believer in redemption. I mean I believe in redemption in real life - redemption does happen and it's cool when it does - but I find myself getting leery of my desire for it in stories (especially my own).

As a kid I did want to be an old-timer since they were the ones with the big stories and the cool clothes. I wanted to go there. Now I guess I want to bring that with me and go back in time.

You know Motorcycle Diaries has no incredible stories no sudden plot twists it doesn't play that way. It's about recognizing that instance of change and embracing it.

Man coaching is a hard job and it requires a lot of time... I hear stories from coaches who tell me that players call them in the middle of the night not knowing where they parked their car.

Really I have to laugh because there was a whole set of stories that made me sound like the Dragon Lady you know 'tough this and tough that.' Then there is this business about 'gooey.' The bottom line is I am a pragmatic idealist.

I believe that being successful means having a balance of success stories across the many areas of your life. You can't truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles.

You hear the best stories from ordinary people. That sense of immediacy is more real to me than a lot of writerly literary-type crafted stories. I want that immediacy when I read a novel.

Stories aren't the beauty of what did happen. They're the beauty of what could happen.

My father always taught by telling stories about his experiences. His lessons were about morality and art and what insects and birds and human beings had in common. He told me what it meant to be a man and to be a Black man. He taught me about love and responsibility about beauty and how to make gumbo.

What a stupid attitude we have in this country to personal stories.

My dad was a journalist. He was in Rwanda right after the genocide. In Berlin when the wall came down. He was always disappearing and coming back with amazing stories. So telling stories for a living made sense to me.

I think 'Game of Thrones' was extraordinary. I want to do some period pieces. It would be lovely to tell great stories that is my main ambition. And to be working with amazing creators.

Stories are amazing and powerful because they can resonate with people depending on their needs and experiences and speak truths we need to hear in that moment in time.

I'm no actor. And I wasn't like George Lucas or Spielberg making home movies as a teenager either. But I would go back and watch certain movies again and again. By the time I saw 'The Graduate' I was aware of how these amazing stories could be told.

It was a wonderful experience to work with Sylvia. She pushed me to be more powerful with my acting and she told me scores of the most incredible stories I've ever heard. She is amazing.

I like making films about old people because they are repositories of amazing stories that they tell well. And they're incredibly good telly.

My dream career would be to be in things that have real heart and are telling real stories but while doing that you're getting really big laughs. I don't necessarily love the straight crazy comedies. 'Caddyshack' is amazing but there's not a lot of new 'Caddyshack's.

The son has always felt like he was a footnote in one of the stories the father tells. The father is an amazing storyteller and one of the tales that he tells is how he met his wife.

I just want to be a part of great stories whether I'm part of an amazing ensemble cast or I'm leading it or the antagonist or whatever.

There are some amazing stories from all over this country where people's work and contribution has been acknowledged. To be part of that is an absolutely fantastic feeling.

Tell me why is the media here so negative? Why are we in India so embarrassed to recognise our own strengths our achievements? We are such a great nation. We have so many amazing success stories but we refuse to acknowledge them. Why?