The most important thing that I learned in growing up is that forgiveness is something that, when you do it, you free yourself to move on.

I had one request when I started doing the plays. My prayer was: God let me do well enough to be able to take care of my mother. I was able to do that 'til the day she died because of my audience. So, they've already done enough. All I ask for now is their continued support.

What excites me? Had you asked me that question a few years ago, the answer would’ve rolled right off my tongue. Today, I think it's moving and uplifting my audience. Having them get it and go with it. That excites me.

What I've never wanted to do was allow myself to be put in a box, so I've tried to do a lot of different things so this is a step in trying to do something different so we'll see how it goes. I'm under no illusions that this is slam-dunk. I did the best I could and that's all I can rely on.

Hollywood is finally waking up to the fact that people who go to church also go to the movies. I'm not sure what took them so long to see that or how long they'll keep it up.

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

If you're black, you can't just be ordinary. All successful black people are extraordinary. If you are tremendously successful, and you're black, you are extraordinary, or you wouldn't stand out in this world.