It's always hard to be private in public, which is what acting is because you have to do thing really emotionally naked.

I don't think most people understand acting, even the people who call themselves savvy, even actors.

I didn't see myself any different from my white counterparts in school. I just didn't! I thought I could do what they did. And what I didn't do well, I thought people were going to give me the opportunity to do well, because maybe they saw my talent, so they would give me a chance. I had no idea that they would see me completely different.

I don't have any time to stay up all night worrying about what someone who doesn't love me has to say about me.

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 came back from vacation and I ate everything. I mean I'm sipping cocktails by the pool, thinking I'm a size 2. And now, you know, my dress is tight. So, I need it, too. I always need to remind myself: It's okay.

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