I knew there was a way out. I knew there was another kind of life because I had read about it. I knew there were other places, and there was another way of being.

My father turned my life around insisting I be more than I was and by believing I could be more.

I want to use television not only to entertain, but to help people lead better lives.

It's only when you make the process your goal that the big dream can follow.

You make me proud to spell my name woman... you make me proud to be your friend.

I'm black, I don't feel burdened by it and I don't think it's a huge responsibility. It's part of who I am. It does not define me.

There were lots of little boys having their bar mitzvahs all over the world, and they sent me tapes of some of them that they interviewed, probably six or seven little boys, and there was something about Mendel. I just loved his little face. I loved the energy of Mendel.