I guess the producers saw me and knew I was literate and I always tried to be alert and it's funny because you have to have a sharpness to do those shows, especially some of the ones I did in later years.

I did Lassie for six years and I never had anybody come up to me and say, 'It made me want to be a farmer.'

It was a show where you were given a quote out of current events and you had to identify who said it. I was reading eight newspapers a day and had compiled a file of about 300 quotes. I really had to do my research. The White House press didn't have to bone up on any of it.

I started Michael years ago. I saw him in Gary, Indiana, and we'd have him on the talent shows. He kind of emulated me, and did the best he could.

Some of the best rock shows I ever saw were those appealing to all your senses.

I guess you can tease me about being a drama queen, because that did heighten the drama.