I don't really view communism as a bad thing.

I believe that parts of people like John Garfield and Moms Mabley, the parts of them that I needed to be able to do what I'm doing, came into me. There's a very nice feeling that there are many, many spirits inside of me looking after me . . .

Normal is in the eye of the beholder.

I am the American Dream. I am the epitome of what the American Dream basically said. It said you could come from anywhere and be anything you want in this country. That's exactly what I've done.

I won once [an Oscar]. So it can't be that racist.

If you're willing to stand for what you believe in ... you won't need advice from me, because you will be able to handle whatever comes.

I'm fighting the label of 'Black' actress simply because it's very limiting in people's eyes, especially people who are making movies.