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

I deal in a very artistic way of what interests me and marks my passion, and I try to - whether its good or not - am in love with acting and the stage and characters and the ability to reach and to touch people, so that's where, I guess, that's where my heart will reside, by and large.

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.

Loving God is like my being black. I just am. [No one says] 'You know what? I'm gonna be blacker today!' It's my culture. It's not something I put on or take off or show more. You just communicate that in the way you live your life.

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

Acting 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.