The Alien is gross, scary. There is something in a human being that looks at them and sees it as a cockroach. You can never feel nurturing towards the cockroach.

Being strong can be also feminine. I don't think feminine equals being weak. Being strong is very sexy.

And then there was moments with white guy where like we would be in Harlem. There would be five brothers in the corner, and this is an awful feeling but you're holding his hand and you want to pull your hand away cause you don't want the judgment. And you're gonna get the judgment even if it's just in looks. And the black men are the worst when it comes to judging.

I really prefer the actual experience of being onstage and living the character from beginning to end with the energy of the audience. There's nothing that beats that feeling, and yet I really have trouble with the eight shows a week.

Chemistry on film is like chemistry in real life, it's either there or it isn't.

I've never gotten any complaints about my headscarf from a man. You can be sexy with a head wrap!

I got nominated for a Tony, which was a complete surprise. It was an experience that I will always cherish