I didn't think it was possible at my age, honestly. They call it a geriatric pregnancy.

Blackness is a state of mind and I identify with the black community. Mainly, because I realized, early on, when I walk into a room, people see a black woman, they don't see a white women. So out of that reason alone, I identify more with the black community.

I can't imagine my life without animals. I have two dogs and three cats. Coming home and finding them all lined up at the door waiting for me has got to be one of the sweetest joys of my life.

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 spent a lot of time with a crown on my head.

While being called beautiful is extremely flattering, I would much rather be noticed for my work as an actress.

Growing older is not such a big deal for me, despite the fears that older actresses have in Hollywood. When I hit 40, for example, I didn't feel 40 - or whatever that is supposed to feel like.