I think sometimes the hardest obstacle is yourself.

I've never gone for the smooth, suave Latin or French lover. That usually makes me think they're trying to pull one over on me.

People will always put you in a box that they think you fit in, and it's up to you to not fall into it.

I'm not very good at resting on my laurels. I am a bit of a workaholic, and I like to keep busy and active, so I think that's what drives me.

It's not hard to draw from within yourself to play someone protective of her daughter. I have animals and I'm a daughter, sister, wife, aunt and friend, and I can be fiercely protective.

I handle emotional pain by trying to understand that it's going to be painful and to allow for it instead of fighting it. Doesn't make it any easier, though.

Sometimes, if you don't have kids yourself, it's assumed you won't understand or know how to play a mom, which is kind of silly if you think about it.

I do like to treat myself, I just don't do it very often.

I am inspired when I see goodness in other people.

Chemistry is a hard thing. I don't think you can force it, and it doesn't necessarily mean that you have to have great chemistry outside of work. It's just something that sparks on screen or doesn't.

When I was in high school I thought I was going to university into psychology.

If one plays good music, people don't listen, and if one plays bad music people don't talk.

I reject discrimination against Muslim Americans - who are just as patriotic as we are.

Nobody will listen to you unless they sense that you like them.

Knowledge we have. Anyone who strives for it with particular intensity is suspect of striving against it.

I'm not a do-gooder. It embarrassed me to be classified as a humanitarian. I simply take part in activities that I believe in.

There are so many untold stories when it comes to great women of color.

Painful experiences are not meant to linger. They are meant to teach us what they need to teach us, and then dissolve.

When obedience is so impious, revolt is a necessity.

I'm an old man, and she's gone now. So don't worry, okay?

You can't inspire people with facts. They need a cause. They need a symbol.