Quote

As an actress, I have put myself out there as an independent black woman, a single mom, a go-getter, a hustler who isn't afraid to survive.

I hope that in some way that I can be some sort of beacon of hope, especially because I am not the typical Hollywood beauty.

I only became an actor to get your attention, to challenge the archetype of an African American male; I can't be anything else in this lifetime than an African American man.

I realize that I'm black, but I like to be viewed as a person, and this is everybody's wish.

I love being famous. It's almost like being white.

I don't want to be the Hollywood girl... I'm Southern and old-fashioned.

I don't really consider myself a black man in Hollywood. I live in Brooklyn... and on purpose.

I'm not some sort of tormented soul looking for an identity in the roles I take. I became an actress because I just love dressing up and playing.

I know some black actresses who have to wait every 19 films for a role. I can be cast in practically every one as a young white male.