Ordinary people who are just kind of just going about their lives are transformed into heroes because they have the courage to put their voices out there. And I think that's a powerful message in this time of political strife.

They say the two most important days in a person's life were the day you were born and the day you discover why you were born.

I do believe that there are African Americans who have thick accents. My mom has a thick accent; my relatives have thick accents. But sometimes you have to adjust when you go into the world of film, TV, theatre, in order to make it accessible to people.

And that's what people want to see when they go to the theater. I believe at the end of the day, they want to see themselves - parts of their lives they can recognize. And I feel if I can achieve that, it's pretty spectacular.

Eating bread in Hollywood is a no-no!

If the opportunity is not out there for you to play it, then you don't see it.

You cannot live to please everyone else. You have to edify, educate and fulfill your own dreams and destiny.