Illeana Douglas

“I think it's important to have a sense of humor about yourself. It's a survival mechanism.”

“My grandfather, Melvyn Douglas, was a great actor. I was always fascinated by his work and the world of acting.”

“I love the idea of creating your own work. It gives you a sense of control and creative freedom.”

“Martin Scorsese gave me my first big break. I learned so much just by being on his sets.”

“I've always been drawn to quirky, unconventional characters.”

“Web series are the new independent films. It's a great platform for storytellers.”

“I think comedy is much harder than drama. Timing is everything.”

“You have to have a thick skin in this business. Rejection is part of the job.”

“I wrote my book, 'I Blame Dennis Hopper,' as a love letter to the movies and the people who make them.”

“Storytelling is storytelling, no matter the medium.”

“I'm a big fan of classic Hollywood. The glamour, the stories, the stars – it was a magical time.”

“I always wanted to be a character actress. I love watching movies where you don't know who the person is.”

“In the indie world, you have to be a jack of all trades.”