The three things I said when I came out of school were I want to work consistently, I want to do good work and I want to be paid fairly, and that's happened. But I didn't become an actress for the money. I do it for other reasons.

Maybe if you're younger you have more energy - but that's a big maybe. Because at this stage of life, I have more patience, understanding, wisdom, resources - and a husband. I didn't get him until I was 39. But I got a good one.

I like the nice guys. I like when they show the stories, the human element behind it all.

Acting is my calling, not my career.

I look in the eyes and I see the heart. As long as it's a human story. I would like to turn on my television and see African American, Hispanic, Asian as well as Caucasian. And I think there are probably more people like me.

When you ask the best questions of yourself and others, you invite the best answers.

As an actor, you're used to putting on characters, taking them off, becoming someone else, doing your research, and working on that.