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.

I was black growing up in an all-white neighborhood, so I felt like I just didn't fit in. Like I wasn't as good as everybody else, or as smart, or whatever.

After my divorce, I was struggling to find my own voice. Through reading, I gained my power back.

I always had to prove myself through my actions. Be a cheerleader. Be class president. Be the editor of the newspaper.

I don't know why, but I respond well to tortured characters.

Being a mother is probably the most important thing in my life right now.

I will not marry again. There is no need.