Ricky Martin

“People don't know this, but I'm going through a lot every time I walk on stage, which is part of doing theater. That's why it's so addictive, I must say.”

“I have been a victim of stereotypes. I come from Latin America and to some countries, we are considered 'losers,' drug traffickers, and that is not fair because that is generalizing.”

“I was onstage with Menudo since I was 12 years old. To us, the most successful one was the guy with the most fans. If you moved your hips and the girls screamed, you were getting it right. Who wouldn't want to be like Elvis or Jim Morrison!”

“For many years, there has been only one place where I am in touch with my emotions fearlessly, and that's the stage. Being on stage fills my soul in many ways, almost completely. It's my vice.”

“I've performed in China, France, New Delhi, and Indianapolis, and everybody just allows themselves to go at it and have a good time. I think that's what I'm doing through music. It's not about 'I'm from here and you're from there.' It's about unity.”

“I canceled a show once to be with someone that I loved.”

“When someone isn't ready we must not try to force them out. People are being bullied and committing suicide because they're gay and it's horrible.”

“I believe Barack Obama has shown a deep conviction to help those most in need, even if their voices are not always the ones heard the loudest in Washington.”

“Children aren't just our future. They're our present.”

“New York City is an amazing place to raise children.”

“My priorities are: I need to be good; I need to be well within for my children to be well within; and then the creative process flows, organically and smoothly. I'm not looking to experience what I went through in the 'Livin' La Vida Loca' days again.”

“I need to tell the world what I'm about, my nature, because not doing so would be teaching my children how to lie. I didn't want it to be.”

“I just want my children to be happy. I want my children to be healthy.”

“I eat everything, that's a problem. I don't have discipline. My favorite dish is the Caribbean. Meat, rice, lots of grains. But I do like to do exercises. Lately, I've been having capoeira classes and lots of cardiovascular exercises, such as jogging and cycling.”

“Heroes represent the best of ourselves, respecting that we are human beings. A hero can be anyone from Gandhi to your classroom teacher, anyone who can show courage when faced with a problem. A hero is someone who is willing to help others in his or her best capacity.”

“I don't want to dream anymore, I want my life to be real!”

“I always wanted to be a father. I have a beautiful relationship with my dad and beautiful memories. I always knew I was going to have a family.”

“Before I came out, I had a lot of anger. For years people would ask, 'How are you doing?' and I'd say, 'Good, fine.' It's show business, and that's what you have to show.”

“I had very steady and formal relationships with women. And I can say, I fell in love with women and it felt right.”

“I hated it when people tried to force me out when I wasn't ready. It was very painful, and it actually pushed me away from doing so.”