Howard's background as an actor undoubtedly helped enhance the actors' performances, McGregor said.

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Simpson, who directed the play, says Linklater's background as an actor helped him be sensitive to the needs of the performers and creative team.

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One account I was told of, ended up having a U.S. Senator calling directly to the heads of INS to clear one such actor, someone who was an Oscar winner, had no criminal background, and on top of that was a senior citizen who had been traveling to and from the United States for several decades.

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