There was our house in New Orleans. Two blocks in front of us were these beautiful mansions and two blocks behind us were the ghetto, projects, and that's where I had to go to school, but I would always pattern my life looking forward. It was almost literal.

There's a huge demand for my entertainment, and I can't meet the need. So I decided to try a TV show to reach as many of my fans as possible.

I feel like I express myself, as an actor. Whatever the character is put in front of me, I try to bring truth to it, whichever way it lands. I try to bring as much truth to it and make it as believable as I can. I think that's the job of an actor.

I've never chased money. It's always been about what I can do to motivate and inspire people.

He who has the gold makes the rules.

Seeing people laugh definitely inspires me, and so does seeing people get life lessons about living better.

What I have learned in this life is you can never be ashamed of where you come from.