I am so glad that I get to maintain a relatively down-to-earth lifestyle.

I adore having people over to my home. My number one reason I love that is because I love to see people at ease with each other.

I'm surrounded by people who care about me and love me. I have a great job. I have wonderful roommates who take care of me. I have a family who adores me.

I don't want everyone to think of me as just 'that kid who called Jesse Jackson a communist in middle school.' That's why I decided to become a famous actress.

I cried myself to sleep wishing I was ugly because men leered and disrespected me.

I consider acting a day job - it's not my dream; it's not my be-all, end-all.

As a filmmaker, you have to understand the essence of the book and tell the story you want to see on the screen, and hopefully please yourself - because you cant possibly please everyone.