It's not like suddenly, when you become a working actor all your friends are in the same situation. I have friends who are still handing out flyers for their one-woman show and trying to make ends meet.

Time can turn a scab into a beauty mark.

I'd been raised by my parents who taught me not to think you're better than you are.

My singing - it's who I am, it's all of me and it's my soul. The self expression of using your vocal equipment is not only physical and spiritual, but it's something you can't explain. It's your heart and soul together. Yes, I enjoy acting, but I portray other people. But when I sing, it's just me on that stage, communicating how I feel, how I think and what I believe.

I thought I was attractive when I shot 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding.' Studio executives and movie reviewers let me know I had a confidence in my looks that was not shared by them.

Let's face it: Russell Crowe is fat and no one ever talks about it.

I feel the same way when I meet somebody in Los Angeles, because I'm from Winnipeg. I'm just a very ordinary girl that something extraordinary happened to. So, I'll go to an event and, say, stand next to Charlize Theron and be like, "Oh my God! This is incredible!" And then you get to talk to her and you find out she's a real person. She's a mom and very interesting. I'm constantly thunderstruck by people that I admire.