Award acceptance speech:
Don’t do too much of that. I get very emotional. Hello, actors!
[audience responds] Well, of course, I’m humbled by this evening. I don’t know
if I deserve this award, but, please, if, just for tonight, you’ll forgive me
if I act like I do. [laughter]
You look at the list of wonderful
actors who have been recipients of this award, and I’m not all sure how I got
here. I’m just so humbled to be a part of such a distinguished group. And,
well, we actors, we seldom know how we are perceived by others, but this
wonderful award lets me know, say, “Hey, Jim, you must have done something
good.” So to have actors think of me in these terms, it touches me deep, deep,
deep, DEEP in my heart.
To all of my fellow actors, and of course my
lovely co-stars, leading ladies that I’ve had the pleasure of working with, I
can only offer one grateful and astounded thank you to all of the people who
have helped me along the way and brought me to this moment.
I would
be remiss if I didn’t mention the one person who has been every step of the
way, my wife of 48 years, Lois. [applause] I love you sweetheart for all the
support you’ve given me, and a few other things. [laughter]
Oh,
and one more thing I would like to say: actors are very special people, and I
love each and every one of you. I have been a member of this guild for over 50
years, and it’s a great guild. It’s the best guild in the world. I’m proud to
be part of it. And just remember, you take damn good care of it, okay?
And now I get to go to work next week with my cast and crew of “Eight Simple
Rules” and start on my second lifetime. Thank you so much. I love you all!
[applause]
