I think that certainly my choices empower me.

It's easier in some ways being on the life raft and the other guy's in the boat and you can row alongside and be supportive. In some ways, that's an easier role.

Some of the best roles are for women in these independent, smaller movies.

Our family adopted Paulie from a shelter as an 8-week-old puppy. We've had him for 11 years, and I think it was valuable for the kids to learn to be responsible for a pet. It's a wonderful thing for families - the unconditional love you get from a pet is something you carry with you for the rest of your life.

It's that I'm 39. I feel hot and sexy, actually... I feel it inside myself. I don't feel dried up and tired and no longer interested in sex is what I'm trying to say.

One of the things that's hardest as an actor is you are being critiqued constantly, and having your mother critiquing you can be challenging.

Shame is such an intense emotion. It just can drive you.