I was told that I was good in my dance movement classes and that I should concentrate on dance because it would enhance my ability to get acting work.

Growing up in Mississippi, I realized that it was separate and unequal and all that, but it was still a safe place.

As you grow in this business, you learn how to do more with less.

I try to keep my mind active. I'm a solitaire and puzzle addict. I exercise religiously. I don't do many things religiously and I've taken up golf to have something to do when I have nothing to do.

I don't think you're going to get nominated every time you jump out of the box.

That's your job as the actor, to understand the human part of the character, to make it real.

Somebody once said to me after I'd done "Deep Impact," "What is it like to play a Black president," and I said, "I didn't play a Black president. I played a president. I just happened to be Black. There's a difference.