Sure, but gay rumors about celebrities are more prevalent today than in bygone eras.

When I look at things like that, I look at the intent behind it. Is the intent to degrade, to destroy someone? If it's not, then you can have a decent conversation on the subject. But if it's actually an intent to hurt? Then it's like any other intention to hurt.

OK. Let's move on. We're trying out the new cook tonight.

I'm very happy with her.

How does one look for a cook?

[Patiently] Wellll, you get a few people lined up, a few interviews through agencies.

But where does this knowledge of a rich lifestyle come from? You grew up blue-collar.

But my mother had all the style in the world. My mother could be invited to the White House, and you wouldn't worry about what fork or knife she'd use. And once you start succeeding in this business, you're automatically thrown into situations, not only investigating the parts to play, but where you are demanded upon to keep up with the protocol. In certain situations, you want to know what to say to Princess Diana when you meet her, or the president.

Did you ever seek out somebody to teach you this stuff?

When I studied the part of American Gigolo, even though I didn't do the movie, I had a protocol expert. And hotels – fancy hotels for the most part – do it as well as anybody. You can learn how to run a household by watching a five-star hotel.