I always had to prove myself through my actions. Be a cheerleader. Be class president. Be the editor of the newspaper.

I'm a much better mother at 46... than if I were like, 21 or 25.

I think I've evolved into someone pretty confident - in myself and in my skin.

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.

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

The worst thing a man can ever do is kiss me on the first date.

I think it's always best to be who you are.

And you also have to do movies that are about commerce because that's what is required of the industry today.

Anytime you put a movie out it's subject to such scrutiny and such criticism.

I don't know why, but I respond well to tortured characters.

I know I'm only one human being and I'm only making one tiny contribution and it's nothing more than that.

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

I'm not afraid of portraying anything on-screen.

I'm not sad at all about turning 40.

If you really want to be competitive in today's market you have to be in movies that make money.

What's the worst that can happen? If it doesn't do well I can put on my big girl panties, deal with it and move on.

I don't see a white woman. I see a black woman, even though my mother is white. Knowing that has made my life easier, I think.

In the X-Men the women are so strong and sexy! We really kick some male butt!

My style has evolved in a nice way, but everyone has bad moments.

There's a place in me that can really relate to being the underdog.

I think there's a certain level of trust that I have with women. I've always been honest, even when I haven't had good times in my life or my movie bombed or I've had great success. I've owned up to all of it.

You think you know what love is - until you have a child and discover that unconditional mother love.

I like Doritos. I'm usually watching 'The Biggest Loser' eating Doritos.

Being a mother is probably the most important thing in my life right now.