FAVORITE EPISODE:

"I'd have to say probably the PMS episode. I think I won my first Emmy for that. It was great, classic subject matter that everyone I know struggles with in their marriage. I remember watching it in New York City with friends, a married couple, and they didn't laugh once.  It hit too close to home. I think it struck a chord with people. Also, Debra got to be really crazy in that episode. It's always a lot of fun to see her go nuts."

FAVORITE SCENE:

"I really like doing physical comedy, and there was an episode this season where Ray slammed me up against the refrigerator, in a celebratory mood. In another episode, called 'The Suitcase', we have a fight over a suitcase and I'm holding on to it and he (Raymond) drags me up the stairs."

"Physical scenes are the most difficult to do. They're the hardest to rehearse and the hardest to film, but they're often the scenes the audiences like the most. I think the longest laugh we ever had was when I dumped a bowl of ice cream in Raymond's crotch."

HOW SHOULD THE SERIES END?

"I think I'd like it to end rather simply. I don't think it should have any big upheaval. It's so difficult; I'm glad I'm not the one who has to write it. Our show has always been about small things. We really don't do stunt casting or unrealistic story-lines, so I think we need to just take it that way to the end."

WHAT WILL YOU MISS THE MOST WHEN THE SHOW IS OVER?

"There are many things. You get to spend time every day with people you really love and who make you laugh. We get to create these plays every week that are little jewels, and I'm proud to be a part of that."

"For an actor, to have a consistent job for nine years that you're proud of is such lightening in a bottle. It'll be hard to get used to not having that schedule or order in your life. We all just have to work it out. It's a grieving process."

HAS YOUR SHOW CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

"Obviously, on the career side, it's given me a great showcase and boosted my visibility in the acting comunity. As far as my craft, I feel so much more confident in my ability because I've been working with some of the finest writers and directors, and I've learned so much from everyone. I've had nine years to really hone my craft, and comedy is this specific thing where you need to keep sharpening your tools. It's been the greatest classroom I could have been in."

---- As told to Robert Pietranton.