Hollywood needs to recognise all shades of African American beauty.

I just thought acting would be something to help out with my student loans, but my first year as an actress, I made more money than my parents. That's when I realized it could turn into a career. After that, I put everything I had into it.

You want to come home to a nice firm bed with the corners tucked in so you start over, like each night is like a new night.

If someone lacked decency or respect, I didn't allow that person to stay in my world.

In Hollywood, you play a mom, and the next thing you know, you're on 'The Golden Girls.' They age you so fast.

If my real life was half as exciting as what is reported, I would be thrilled.

I think I'm drawn to more villain-type characters, because it's so cool to get to say all the things you want to say. In Hollywood, you get to this position where you have to bite your tongue so much. You take all your experiences of not being able to say what you really want to say, and channel that through your character.