My dad's one of my biggest heroes. I also think Paul Newman's an inspiration. I know a lot of people say that but I love that he's a great role model and a humanitarian. I admire people who don't necessarily want to change the world but try to make it a better environment.
You know when everyone's watching your mom and dad your friends in high school who thought they were better than you. You get your chance to get in the spotlight and shine.
My dad would always say 'What can you do to make the world a better place?' Well I can make people laugh.
I was who I was in high school in accordance with the rules of conduct for a normal person like obeying your mom and dad. Then I got out of high school and moved out of the house and I just started for lack of a better term running free.
I think there's nothing better than laughing in life so that's nice to be thought of as someone who can make someone laugh. It's 'cause I think life is hard. You know my dad was a really silly man. A great Irish silly man. And that's fine.
My mom and my dad were married 56 years and the fact that I reconciled with my dad I think made their marriage a little bit better as well.
My dad's gay experiences really had a very positive influence on me and my straight relationships - how to better accept all the weirdness and ambiguity and ups and downs and paradoxes. I knew from the beginning I was writing about love.
My dad has been married to his wife for 15 years and wherever he goes there better be a seat for her. I like real couples that tell you how to get through on Wednesdays when you're just at the end of your rope - the ones who really know how to make it through. We have to stop looking at Hollywood couples because you're going to get disappointed.
My father came from a very poor background but I was very fortunate in the sense that we were never in need. My dad was determined to make sure that we didn't want for things. He wanted to give us more opportunity than he had a better shot at a better life.
I can definitely say the older I've got the better I've become at being a dad and a husband.