When I was younger, living in an all-black neighborhood the other kids thought I was better than them because of my light skin and straight hair. Then we moved to an all-white neighborhood and that was a culture shock ... I'd been used to being around all black kids.

I'd like to be able to use Storm's powers for good, like have it rain more in Southern California. We could do with it.

This moment is so much bigger than me. It's for every nameless, faceless woman of colour that now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened.

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.

I'm a much better mother at 46... than if I were like, 21 or 25.

I'm not sad at all about turning 40.

What's hardest for me to swallow is when there is a love story, say, with a really high-profile male star and there's no reason I can't play the part. They say, 'Oh, we love Halle, we just don't want to go black with this part.'