You should always challenge yourself, as an actor, to find the connection between you and the character.

I'm happiest when I'm acting, and I've dedicated my life to it. Still, as much as I love acting, at the end of the day, I want to be remembered as a great person, first, and as a great actor, second.

Study your craft, first. Then explore the business side. If you can commit to mastering both, then you're ready to pursue acting as a living. I really want people to understand that you can't take shortcuts.

My first heartbreak devastated me, but it was the support of my family and my second family, my church family, that helped me understand that it wasn't my fault, and that everything was going to be alright. That helped me tremendously later in life because in this acting business, there are a lot of things beyond your control.

You have to know your craft. I find that most people who are very, very successful know their craft and have done the research.

For the most part, I meet people who are like 'I really like your work. I'm watching your career. I want to see you do well. Keep doing what you do.' I get that so much, and it's so reassuring. I often wish that so many people, who just work normal jobs, could get a pat on the back as much as I do, because it's very complimentary.

If I feel like it's a well-written script and if it speaks to me, it's something I want to do. I usually rely on my instincts when it comes to a script.