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.

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

I know that I will never find my father in any other man who comes into my life, because it is a void in my life that can only be filled by him.

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.'

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

I think I am at my best when my hair is short. It's easier to take care of and more of who I am. Women are conditioned to think we need long hair.

I learned up less is more.The makeup used to wear me and now I wear the makeup.