Quotes from Amy Ryan

I know how to separate my own laundry.

I really don't have a problem showing the ugly side of people. If that means my wearing no makeup, that's fine. To me, that's beautiful.

First of all, the actor needs to get out of the character's way. You follow the character without judgment or prejudice or preconceived ideas.

Being an actor, we're so dependent on the writers.

It's funny to see the finished product of a movie, stuff that's so beautiful, and to remember the particulars.

Usually in stories there are big problems in the beginning or couples are pulling away, there's a lot of bitterness.

I can really laugh at myself and make a fool out of myself.

I'm so fortunate in that I've never had another job to pay a bill but acting, since the day I got out of high school.

'The Wire,' I was such a fan of that show the first season - I think that's the best-written show on TV.

You know, I don't think, you know, therapy never ends, really.

It's fun to play happy people.

The Tonys are also kind of like a homegrown party. You know everybody.

I find that all great directors, and I would include Ben Affleck and Clint Eastwood in that, they have great confidence. And with great confidence comes great freedom for the actor.

I'd love to do a costume drama movie. For no other reason, except that it sounds fun to me.

It's deeply personal to watch actors go to those dark places. It can be scary, so you channel them all your love and energy, and you know you'll be safe on the other side.

I come from a working-class background in Queens, New York.

One of the great perks of being an actor is you're only as smart as the job you're in, you know, and you're only as informed as the job you're in, and you do become an expert, and you read all the books, but then there's a part of, like, you move on.

There are certain things you learn to do as a parent - using every single part of your body because you're multitasking all the time. You're holding the baby and you're closing the door with your left foot.

If your body is excited to do something, that's what you should be doing. Or if it really scares you, you should be doing it.

There are so many choices I made simply for health insurance. Is it the ideal role I wanted to play, or the TV show I wanted to be a part of? No, but it let me afford to go to the doctor.

I will admit, it's so intoxicating working with Steve Carrell. Creatively and professionally.

Some jobs you do - maybe you don't - are jobs that pay mortgages and some are art and I don't care about not being paid on those.