I remembered that throughout my growing up and education and pursuing my dreams and desires, going into acting, and, of course, getting through Yale University and on and on and on, that being average, being mediocre was not an option that you should be proud of.

I guess I'm breaking out a little of what's comfortable and easy.

I am content that the work that I've done is wonderful.

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.

I really believe that what I do as an actress is my God-given talent. This is my calling, not my career.

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

Of course you want to do all the research that you can, but it's impossible to take a life and the boundaries of an hour and a half, so there is hope there will be understanding about that also.