Being sexy is just one part of being a woman and an actress. But if the part calls for sexy...

Humor is about perspective, and hanging out with people who see life through a similar lens is so important.

A guy at ABC told me to change my name and get a nose job. I said 'You get a nose job.'

Over half a million women are raped in this country every year, and only a fraction of them report it because they're too ashamed. It’s a really screwed up world, but its not your fault, and what happened to you, it doesn't make you the monster.

Just having someone make you laugh so hard that it hurts is so healing to me.

I am proud to be a role model for my viewers. I am finding out that helping victims is as or more rewarding the all the awards I win.

Yes. I did more research than I ever wanted to and saw some things I wish I didn't. I went on ride-alongs, spent time with Homicide, Cold Case, and SVU detectives, hung out in subways learning how to spot pervs and pick-pockets, viewed an autopsy, went to a police firing range, and witnessed court cases and I read, read, read.