I'm different, and my manner invites questions. I'm never afraid to answer.

Im in my mid-30s, Ive won an Oscar, I have four children. You figure out if my deafness has adversely affected my life.

I got a good handshake. A lot of executives tell me I have the best handshake in Hollywood.

It was ability that mattered, not disability, which is a word I'm not crazy about using.

I have a great husband, great parents and in-laws, and I have help with a nanny. It's not easy, but there are others who do it every day and don't have a high-profile job as I do.

Every one of us is different in some way, but for those of us who are more different, we have to put more effort into convincing the less different that we can do the same thing they can, just differently.

I'm different, and my manner invites questions. I'm never afraid to answer.