Some people would view Jackie Robinson as a very safe African-American, a docile figure who had a tendency to try to get along with everyone, and when you look at his history, you learn that he has this fire that allows him to take this punishment but also figure out savvy ways of giving it back.

I started out as a writer and a director. I started acting because I wanted to know how to relate to the actors. When people ask me what I do, I don't really say that I'm an actor, because actors often wait for someone to give them roles.

You have to cherish things in a different way when you know the clock is ticking, you are under pressure.

The best advice about getting older? Just be thankful you're not dead!

You might have one thing in your head, but the things you're doing don't really lead down the right road, necessarily. When you're young, you don't want to hear that. You think you can do everything, be all things.

I just think people have been very gracious and welcoming me on set, and even off set.

I think you realize how much you need to have people that you love. It's not as much about them loving you - it's about you needing to love people.