Sometimes you have to get to the heart of a character through your heart. Your own heart. And it's what makes us similar and what makes us different.

My most annoying question is "Hilary, are you ever going to play a pretty girl?"

I'm certainly not very book smart, but I started traveling at 16, and it has enriched me in ways I could never begin to explain.

I’m always scared to death that I won’t do a role justice. But fear can be a great motivator.

You only have one life and if you're not doing what you love, what's the point?

I had to fight my whole life to break out of my circumstances. That's just part of my makeup.

The truth is, after Boys Don't Cry, I realized how few and far between the great roles are. I am beyond thankful for finding Million Dollar Baby.