I don't see a white woman. I see a black woman, even though my mother is white. Knowing that has made my life easier, I think.

In Monster's Ball I went nude, which was scary, but I took the chance and that's how I like to approach my career.

Beauty is not just physical.

I also have been called that terrible "N" word straight to my face and not known what to do about it because it was just in like 1993 that someone called me that.

I've learned my tricks. I know what I like. I do not wait around. I initiate. And I'm not all about frequency - I favor intensity.

Just to be true to myself, which is why I did this movie. I figured everyone was going to freak out and say, 'Why would you do that after Dorothy Dandridge?' My answer is 'Because I can.' And that feels really good to be comfortable saying that.

If you set out to do something and you give it your all and it doesn't work out, be willing to modify your goal slightly. Have the ability to look in another direction. A small shift could guide you to the real purposes of your life.