If you're actually talking to someone who's been through a disastrous number of years, that only means one thing: They survived it.

Being away from home was tough, but the challenge and the thrill of being on Broadway was so fulfilling, and I'm thankful to my husband for making it possible and holding it down at home.

I have a real no-nonsense dad who taught me how to be resilient at a very young age.

I think 'Soul Food' had the biggest impact on me because that's where I was really able to shine as an actress and because I also met my husband there, and that was a huge turning point in my personal life. So, that show will stick with me forever and ever and ever.

We're all moving at such a high rate that we have to grab frozen dinners and McDonald's. We can't make it a way of life - we have to get back to real, simple, clean good foods. It will save our lives on so many levels; not just spina bifida, but obesity, diabetes, everything. Food is our medicine.

I love the theater. I love being on stage; I love the live audience. I also love dressing up and all of the make-believe.

Being a pedestrian again is very exciting because in L.A. you live in your car, and you're on a freeway all the time.