Nicole Ari Parker

I can be really silly, but I never get to do that. I'm always playing on-the-nose characters, professionals - lawyers, a serious news anchor, people with a really focused energy, which can become a cliched type.

It's not how pretty you are or how talented you are. It's that if these five people on this day in this room like you, then you get a job.

Between the kids, the jobs and everything, no matter what color you are, cardio is probably not on the top of your list.

I have a real no-nonsense dad who taught me how to be resilient at a very young age.

All kids want from their dad is for them to be around - and to show up when they say they're going to show up.

I have friends struggling with autism, juvenile diabetes.

Being away from home was tough, but the challenge and the thrill of being on Broadway was so fulfilling, and I'm thankful to my husband for making it possible and holding it down at home.

I did everything pretty cliche as an actor in New York. I read the trades, I sent out 'head shots.'

Honestly, working with Eddie Murphy was mind-blowing just in terms of the budget alone. To see the respect he commands, to witness his presence, you understand why he and people like Martin Lawrence are stars.

If you're actually talking to someone who's been through a disastrous number of years, that only means one thing: They survived it.

I have one little pooch-y stomach in a picture, and all of a sudden I'm pregnant.

I love Malcolm Lee and jumped on the opportunity to work with him as a director.