“One of my favorite artists is Tom Waits, whom most people think of as a wonderful singer-songwriter and a great poet. I certainly think of him that way, but I also know him as a terrific actor. You know, that persona that he puts on when he's doing his music comes from being an actor, figuring out a persona.”

American actor and director, born 1949. Known for his distinctive voice and commanding screen presence, he has spanned genres from Westerns to sci-fi, earning three Academy Award nominations. His work spans iconic roles like the Dude in *The Big Lebowski* and the title character in *Crazy Heart*, alongside directorial efforts like *The Big Lebowski* and *True Grit*.