I became an actress because my mom wanted me to become an actress. It took me until my mid-30s to realize I actually didn’t. I actually wanted to write and direct and be more involved in politics and humanitarian issues.

Nothing would mean anything if I didn't live a life of use to others.

I notice that my characters go out to dinner and have fun and take these great trips, but I spend so much time on their lives, I don’t have much of a personal life of my own. I have to sort of remember to fill out that little notebook on me.

For whatever reason, I don't know why, but Cambodians learned something in their suffering and their struggle that we have lost touch with.

I have so many children. Half of mine are the ones that just must climb the tree, must climb the mountain, must get dirty, must jump off, flip into the pool sideways because it's just who they are. So you try to give them as much guidance and prepare them but they are who they are.

Like every mother, my wish - every birthday - is for my children to stay healthy (and) for my family to remain healthy.

I'm very happy and very excited when my adrenalin is going.