To play June, I had an immediate connect with her background and culture. We grew up with the same religion and shared a lot of the same values of family and spirituality. But I was really so inspired by what a modern woman she was.

I have a history, a long history of being stereotyped as a five-foot-two woman, which is very limiting. I've worked so hard to create characters that have dignity. And I think everybody knows that I have a very pro-woman message in my work - and in my life.

I think movies are great and I have a great time making them but they're not what keeps you warm at night, or what's ultimately the most important thing in anyone's life journey.

Realizing you're not anything special to the kids is always a great sort of reminder that you're just a regular person. A regular embarrassing old mom.

The truth is... I gave my heart away a long time ago, my whole heart... and I never really got it back.

Every day you have to choose and cultivate your own happiness.

I want to make my life, not just my job, the best it can be. The rest will work itself out.