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

Tyler Perry's 'Madea Goes to Jail!' Which, I have to tell you, of everything that I've ever done in my career, that's the only thing that's perked up the ears of my nieces and nephews. That is it, that's done it for them. That made me a bona fide star in their eyes!

I think that you always want to gravitate towards people who absolutely are great at what they do and go for authenticity.

We as artists cannot be politicians. We as artists can only be truth-tellers.

Recognition has brought me more work, because your name suddenly comes to mind when some directors are trying to cast a character. And my stage work has specifically enabled people to have faith that I can handle a role, even when it's not specifically written for an African-American. So, I'd have to say that recognition brings work. A successful movie brings more work, and that been the biggest blessing.

That's how I digest it, 'cause I can press the fast-forward button and I know that I'm gonna have to continue to be an actor, continue to make choices, continue to perform in a show every week.

To me, it's always a luxury to be able to work with the best of the best because they make it easier for you to do what you do.