I live my life because I dare. I dare to show up when everyone else might hide their faces and hide their bodies in shame.

I have a birthmark on the inside of my left knee that resembles an upside-down sea horse.

When it's time to film and to actually take on the role of Precious, I felt an immense responsibility to do it justice.

I have a nice smile, pretty lips, and big round cheeks. They help me look like a teenager.

Just relax. When I was younger, I made myself the victim of catastrophic thinking. Anything that went wrong was the end of the world. But as I've gotten older, I've learned to stop myself and say, 'Hey babe, calm down. Tomorrow there will be sun.'

I complain about my life. I used to complain about boys or not being able to drive or failing a test. Now I complain about boys, not being able to drive, and leaving home so much.

Being an actor is wonderful and it's a lot of fun, but eventually you look old and you can't fit this or that. It's important to have other skills, be able to do other things, and to really learn how this business works and what it thrives on.