Quotes from David Schwimmer

Directing is something I always wanted to do. I started when I was 13 directing scenes in high school and then plays in college with my theatre company.

There are certain pressures and things that change your life to a degree that, in the cost benefit analysis that constantly goes on, sometimes makes you think, 'Maybe I should just leave.

If there's something I want, I go for it. I just think about how I'm going to go for it.

And the thing is, every time you start a new show or do a new series, you're committing to another six years.

My advice would be to write what is most personal and specific to your experience or your life. And your voice will emerge and because of its specificity, it will be universal.

As an actor, the training I received was that I walk through the world as an observer of life and of people. My job is to actually be looking out all the time and watching people.

I can't go anywhere without being recognized. I'm.

When you see Liana [Liberato], who at the time was 14, there is an inexperience and innocence that you can't act and you can't fake.

I find America falling in love with a TV show flattering and interesting, but at the same time a little sad.

The reality is, Jennifer and I can do our job well because we truly are friends. But when the day's over, she goes home to her boyfriend and I go home to a magazine.

Older actors can still play young, but it's harder for young actors to be able to play that age range.

My parents from a very young age raised my sister and I under a pressure to achieve. They're both attorneys. So good marks, getting through university, there was a huge emphasis and pressure to do well and keep going.

I would say acting on stage is my first love.

I love helping someone else tell their story, but I like being the storyteller sometimes.

Knowing yourself and expressing it is hip. I think knowing yourself is the real journey, for me anyway.

If I were given a choice between two films and one was dark and explored depraved, troubled or sick aspects of our culture, I would always opt for that over the next romantic comedy.

It's a job - someone's gotta kiss Jennifer Aniston. The reality is, Jennifer and I can do our job well because we truly are friends. But when the day's over, she goes home to her boyfriend and I go home to a magazine.

At this age - I'm 44 - I think life's too short. I want it to mean something to me, if I'm going to spend that much time doing it.

When I was six years old, my parents took me to this farmers' market with a petting zoo. They put me on a pony and, for some reason, it took off at a run and they had to chase it down. They tell me it was kind of traumatic.

I like to challenge myself. I like to learn - so I like to try new things and try to keep growing.

When you're playing the same character for a decade it's natural that there are moments when you want to try something new.

Sometimes I've felt that the industry has typecast me as a certain kind of character. But then I think all it really takes is one role, the right role, to shake that up and change that perception.

I had a mustache when I was 13.

I like to grow as an actor, and you can do that by playing parts that are unfamiliar to you and uncomfortable.