Art and activism seem to go together naturally, the idea being that if you're an entertainer, you can have a voice, and if you have a voice, you can make a difference. But if I were not an actress, I would still try to extend myself beyond my little micro-universe of my job, family and personal joy.

When I first came to Hollywood I was told to go out with an agent because it was good for my career. So I went to a party with him because it was good for my 'career.' Well, he thought the whole thing was a big date. Needless to say, I was very upset.

It sounds trite to go after men who are nice but when you've been hurt a lot it becomes appealing.

I became obsessed with all these women who die never feeling they did anything extraordinary with their lives.

If you're feeling blue, lock yourself in a room, stand in front of a mirror, and dance - and laugh at yourself and be sexy. Dance the silliest and ugliest you've ever danced. Make fun of yourself and try to recover your sense of humor.

I keep waiting to meet a man who has more balls than I do.

I know the only reason that I haven't gotten many good parts is because I am Latin - and they tell it to my face a lot of times.