Because I came into acting late, my references come from real life. That's my biggest inspiration. It's probably the reason I moved back to New York. I'm just a lot more inspired by real life than I am by depictions of real life.

It will be difficult if people can't get past their prejudices; I don't mean Black and White; I mean people automatically assume because a film has a predominantly Black cast, that it is a particular quality of film.

I always try to get as personal as I can with the characters that I play, which is a reason why I don't play a lot of characters.

I had a grandmother who would always encourage me to learn about theater and film.

I'd like to change the depictions of life, love, and adventure under what's known as the typical, overused backdrop of Hollywood.

The Universe responds to specificity.

Writing a funny story is one thing. But writing a funny story that inspires others to venture beyond their level of comfort in pursuit of their greater good is what makes me come alive.