I studied acting for 10 years before I went for an audition. I studied with Lee Strasberg and Actors Studio teachers, and went to the High School of Performing Arts.

I'm Method trained. How is this character like me? What does she think of her mother? What does her mother think of her? It's like construction, and then, yes, you hope you're talented and that the universe aligns and captures the kind of laborer's work you've done and whatever else sprinkles down on you, and it's all caught on film or onstage.

I have skinny genes. My mother weighs 90 pounds.

People tend to remember my performances, not me.

But one of the hardest things for me to do was to access anger. I could do it on stage. But when I did it on film it was hard for me. That probably has to do with the intimacy of film. And my own personal issues with expressing anger. So I had to learn how to do that.

The more powerful you become, some people especially don't like it that you're a woman. I stick up for myself.

I wish I had a little more ambition. But then what would I do? Turn down more roles with more vehemence? Me no likey worky.