This is how you start to get respect, by offering something that you have.
If I wanted to be a celebrity, I would have taken guitar lessons.
The biggest challenge, I think for any new artist, is patience.
If you don't come from film family, it takes time for people to register you. When you don't come from film family, the connection with the audience takes time to build up; it happens eventually.
When I started out, I really struggled as a comic because no one knew who I was, and sometimes I was telling stories, so it would take a while for people to get on board for things.
If you see me as a controversial artist or controversial human being, then I could be cashing in on some reality shows. I am not doing anything like that. That's not my aim.
The stand-up world is very, very hard. There is a lot of competition, and there are not that many venues, and there are not that many opportunities. You have really got to stand out.
Lesson to would-be fame seekers: It's not really a new world when it comes to celebrity. There are no shortcuts. It's still talent, perseverance and hard work. Even the speed and reach of the Net can't create lasting value and income overnight.
Becoming well known (at least among your prospects & connections) is the most valuable element in the connection process.
Over 20 years, I chipped away at a career little by little. I worked churches, off-Broadway, off-off-Broadway. I began being recognized by my peers by casting directors, actors, producers.
Get good live and get a following because that's what people notice.
There are ways of staying under the radar here, and they're effective to a degree. But if you're an ambitious person and you're confident your career is moving in the direction you want it to, you know the attention is only going to become greater and greater.
If somebody for some reason, for music or for movie, becomes famous, it's because they have something, something special.
As far as advice to potential teenage idols, there is no formula.
I want filmmakers to notice me, not just as a glam doll but as a human being with all facets of emotions.
There are many waies to fame. {There are many ways to fame.]
