My grandmother was born in 1900, and she would regale me with tales I call 'Little House on the Prairie' tales, but they were tales of segregated and racist America growing up in Alabama and Mississippi, where she came from.

Don't let anyone try to tell you who you are. Define yourself.

Be talented enough to make it and stupid enough to keep trying.

To be known by the public, honestly. People come up and tell them how good I make them feel.

I’ve tried actively to define myself and redefine myself, and not be pigeonholed.

I wanted to be a leading man - the black lawyer, the black doctor, the black policeman.

The president is always made fun of.