The accumulation of experience gives you a debt in terms of compassion. I am very fortunate, and I feel dedicated to giving back to other women. Wherever I am now, I make sure I visit a women's shelter. But I don't want to do it in a frivolous way.

As an actor you don't control the end result. Because you're a director, you get to control the end result. I think for us, we really have to show up and participate and give. And then let go.

When you relinquish the desire to control your future, you can have more happiness.

I look for roles that show women as independent, informed, and free to make their own decisions.

Your confidence grows as you get older, particularly when you're in a loving relationship. Everything strengthens.

Actors have to protect each other in a way. The idea of humiliating another actor or being humiliated myself is devastating.

You'll nip anybody who's coming at you with bullshit. You don't play around. You take this craft very seriously. It's what separates you, what separates an actor from an artist.