I am still baffled by those who feel that criticizing America is unpatriotic, a view increasingly being adopted in the United States since 9/11 as an excuse to render suspect what has always been an American right. An active, brave, outspoken (and heard) citizenry is essential to a healthy democracy.

I was shocked into the realization that I myself had played an unwitting role as a movie star and sex symbol in perpetrating the stereotypes that affected women all over the world.

You think you're being broken but you're really being broken open...and that's where the healing happens, in those broken places...if you'll allow it.

One part of wisdom is knowing what you don't need anymore and letting it go.

One of the wonderful things about being an actor is that every director is different.

Telling lies and showing off to get attention are mistakes I made that I don't want my kids to make.

I left acting for 15 years, and I think it's really nice to have another life. I took too much for granted when I was younger. I didn't really want to be an actor. I didn't really love it. And so I made a lot of mistakes. Oddly, I care much more about it now. I feel like a complete novice.