I'm not a big fan of doing what my mother wants me to do, like any daughter.

My goal was just to live a good life that I was happy with. And I wasn't exactly sure that that meant being the star of a movie.

In the seventh grade, I was about to leave wearing a jumper, when my mom said she could see my panty line. So I just wore stockings. That day I broke my ankle, and the EMS cut my tights off. I got a full cast with no stockings on and no panties.

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'm really, really happy with what I do for a living. I mean, that's what I consider work, like being on set, bringing a character to life and, you know, working with other actors and directors and stuff.

Acting is acting, and who you are will still remain to be who you are. You know, that part won't change it. It will change your wallet, you know? It'll change your life. It will open opportunities for you, but it's not going to change your character.

The reason why America was built is so that we would have the ability to choose who we pray to, whether we do or don't.