I really understand the idea of pride and honour. I have that in my family, so I understand it completely.

If every young person pursued their greatest passion and then said, 'What part of this can be applied to social good?' You don't have to choose between being successful and being a philanthropist.

I really understand the idea of pride and honour. I have that in my family, so I understand it completely.

As an African American actress there are people who have been staples in my life that opened a door that I can walk through. I hope that I can have that impact.

I love the idea that somebody is going to compare me to my character or think that I am like my character when they see me. I feel like that is a role that I am willing to fulfill.

Dancing on 'Dancing With The Stars' really broadened my fan base. I jumped off the stage backwards one week, and so many women come up to me now and say, 'You're so brave. I can't believe you put yourself out there like that'. If that inspires some girl out there, then great, because boys aren't the only ones who get to have fun. We get to have fun too.

I have a gajillion headbands - yellows, pinks, reds, blues. I'm obsessed.