What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I don’t believe in perfection, but those acrimony-free gaps during our family holidays can be downright blissful. Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Lenny Wilkins. A long career as a point guard, a longer career as a head coach. Which living person do you most admire?

My father, who at 19 had the courage to change the course of his family’s history by damning logic, leaving the farm, and coming to Hollywood to be in “the show business.” What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Emotional reliance on other people’s approval. What is your favorite journey?

The journey of discovery that every film project entails. What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Trendiness. On what occasion do you lie?

When young kids ask about Santa Claus. What do you dislike most about your appearance?

It’s a tie between the gap-toothed grin framed with big ears and the round-shouldered, bowlegged slouch. Which living person do you most despise?

Joseph Kony, the Ugandan rebel leader. What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My wife, Cheryl. Hands down, and I’ve had a lot of love in my life. When and where were you happiest?

The delivery room for the birth of my kids, standing at the altar watching Cheryl walk down the aisle, and the wrap party of the first film I directed, at 23. Which talent would you most like to have?

Spontaneous wit. I always think of the good comebacks on the car ride home. If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?

Save the drama for the spotlight, people. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Forty-eight consecutive years of steady employment in television and film, while preserving a rich family life. If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?

A woman. My wife keeps wishing that upon me, and I find she often gets what she wants. If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?

One of those hyper-observant extraterrestrials that occasionally swing by planet Earth. What is your most treasured possession?

The Oscar for best director. What is your most marked characteristic?

Patience. Who are your favorite writers?

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart staff. Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

R. P. McMurphy, of One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest.What is it that you most dislike?

Firing people. What is your motto?

“Panic is not our friend.”