'I'm Like a Catalyst'

Yeah, the roles just have to speak to me in some way. I have to be turned onto it or be intrigued or challenged by the material. Or think it'd be fun to do. I've turned quite a few down--some big stuff, some small stuff.

Have you ever regretted it?

No, never. You can never be hurt by what you didn't do.

But when you were diagnosed with a brain tumor a few years ago, you were just breaking out in the business, and then you were out of commission there for about a year after the surgery. How did that change your perspective on you life and career?

It made me live more fully; though you're always afraid you're going to forget that experience. But it made me want to live more authentically and appreciate what I have-- my very, very good fortune to be doing what I do. And it made me a little less fearless about my acting and what I am capable of.

Did you feel like fear was holding you back in your career before?