Of course my family and friends are incredibly valuable to me. They keep me sane, they teach me things and I love spending time with them. I think that ranking what you value is a sort of western and linear way of looking at things.

I think I was born an artist. But the key is that I have a mom that encouraged and supported my artistic side. She still has the stick-figure drawings framed.

I've always been fascinated with the idea of people paying for sex and what goes on with that and why that happens.

I am forever a romantic. I try to bring that into my work. I try not to be fooled by romance. Or work.

We can become very short-sighted in terms of objectives. The first thing to go during times of economic crisis and budget cuts is funding for things that are essential and not-quantifiable, like the arts. Save Big Bird

Education is huge for me. I went to public school until I turned thirteen, and was lucky enough to afford college once I became successful as an actress.

So I am happy to have fans, especially if it enables me to keep working. And I am really grateful when people respond to my work.