Quotes from Dianne Wiest

Theater is not to make a living, so I don't have the money pressure.

I failed to fulfill what should have been an interesting role. I couldn't take their formula and bring what I had, my humor, my ideas, and make it my own.

Don't think I'm always nice. I know that's how I've been cast... If they want me to be mean, I can step up to the plate more easily than I would like to admit, as my children will tell you.

Being a family member is hard no matter where you are. It's hard to be a kid. It's hard to be a parent. It's hard to be a brother or sister. It takes patience and kindness and forbearance.

At West Point, we first lived in Central Apartments in a third-floor walk-up next to the hospital where my father worked. My two younger brothers and I shared one big bedroom, and my parents had a tiny one.

I failed to fulfill what should have been an interesting role. I couldn't take their formula and bring what I had, my humor, my ideas, and make it my own.

I recently turned down a film that I didn't want my kids to see. Priorities shift. Sometimes I'm sad about that, but not enough to do anything about it.

I had to choose, I'd be so sad. They are flip sides of the same coin. I love both comedy and drama.

The formula is the star. I couldn't work inside that formula.

Unless you are unique, your opinion goes out the window.

Sweet things happen. They still do.

I've been grateful for what comes along.

Woody is so musical in his filmmaking. I've never worked with anyone I've trusted so completely. He won't let you hit a false note.

I'm more aware of time. The element of time.

Directors say that you should get actors before they are recognized. They will be a pain or have an opinion.

What I love is a peanut butter and pickle sandwich. I'll just have peanut butter and bananas, then peanut butter and pickles. Peanut butter and chocolate I don't recommend.

I had to choose, I'd be so sad. They are flip sides of the same coin. I love both comedy and drama.

I look at the kids coming out of Yale. They are so intelligent with their careers. I wish I had that.

It was just this crazy craziness, and the fact that it was shot in Paris, and it had these incredible people in it. It was an easy thing to say yes to.

When I was 8, I began to study ballet. In seventh grade, my mother took me into New York to study at the School of American Ballet. I loved ballet - its precision, the escape from uncertainty, and the music.

Young people are more intelligent and sophisticated.

I recently turned down a film that I didn't want my kids to see. Priorities shift. Sometimes I'm sad about that, but not enough to do anything about it.

You are at the mercies of the dailies. With an indie you don't have that.

After the war, my father, Bernard, left the Army Air Forces to fly for Trans World Airlines. But after I was born, he retired from commercial flying to be with my mother, Anne, and me. I was born in Kansas City, Mo., but we left when I was 6 months old.