“I realized in school I didn’t like it. When he died, it was like a wake-up call.”

My first audition was an open call and I had no picture and no resume

Her words are effortless in terms of their meaning and how she inhabits them.

When somebody recognizes me from the film – and it can be a wide range of people, which shows the power of film

So everyone making sure that I’m OK has turned what could’ve been a very scary, nerve-racking and lonely experience into a supportive environment.

The reason why I found acting is because my father passed away.

She’s been doing Trip to Bountiful for four months, and it still feels real.

At the end of the day, if I can say that I had a career where I was able to play all different kinds of characters and I’m known as someone who is well-respected for my approach to the craft, that would be a beautiful life.

I would come to L.A. for a job, but I love New York.

For everything Obama stands for and the things he’s said in the past in his books, especially with the Trayvon Martin thing

So you do things to make them proud and accept you.

It’s a surreal experience.

And you don’t want them to look at you in a negative light.

I just find it hard to believe that anyone would stop me to share how much they loved something that I was a part of.

My intention is to do more films.

I had to say something. Kelly’s nomination would go against who President Obama is.

I assume Obama knows about stop and frisk, so this is not the person that should be the head of homeland security.

We all make mistakes, but the people who thrive from their mistakes are the successful ones.

I’ve done a lot of independent film, which are short shoots that are usually four to six weeks, max.

The relationship of the toastmaster to speaker should be the same as that of the fan to the fan dancer.

Bodily pleasure is not in itself a bad thing. But when it is exalted to a necessity and we become dependent upon it, then we are slaves of our body and its feelings. Only misery lies ahead.

I was always led to believe you should take care of yourself.

I would argue, but not always out there where they’re counted, not always up there in the labor unions, certainly not in leadership positions.

Keeping our youth and yesterdays alive / Comrades with one history.

Don’t let the storm in your heart overshadow the sunshine in your soul.