I was black growing up in an all-white neighborhood, so I felt like I just didn't fit in. Like I wasn't as good as everybody else, or as smart, or whatever.

I'm learning to accept the lack of privacy as the real downer in my profession.

It is very hard to separate one's self from a character. Sometimes the people closest to me have to be very understanding.

Throughout my career I have been talked out of things I wanted to do, and when I look back, I think I should have followed my instincts.

I grew up in the once segregated South. I experienced forced integration during my formative school years. I lived the sacrifices, burdens, and tears. I also lived the moments of understanding, of acknowledgment, of fellowship and success. I saw my parents and grandparents coming home beaten down - and some of my friends beaten up.

I realized that my success comes from doing the things I love most.

There's a logic today that places a greater value on celebrity the less it is accompanied by actual achievement. I don't think it's possible to touch people's imagination today by aesthetic means.

I came to understand and observe that we're all going to face obstacles. We're going to have challenges. We're going to fail. We're going to have success. But all of it is going to ultimately be character-building. And it's not going to deter us from wanting to achieve, to strive, and be successful.