LaChanze

I have loved fiercely in my life - a few times.

I basically came from nothing and turned my life into something.

Feeling Good' is a peek into my life through song.

Without faith, life is futile.

Dianne Reeves, a famous jazz singer, would be my biggest influence.

I was a very ambitious, young actor, grateful and getting out there, working hard. I was single-minded in pursuit of my career. I am also the oldest of seven and had this extreme responsibility for everyone around me. I was a caregiver and not taking care of myself as much as I should have.

I try to take time to find joy out of life, and I don't take a day for granted like I used to.

The theater community will always remain a big part of my life, and I hope to re-join the cast of 'The Color Purple' at some point down the road.

In my own one-woman show, 'Feeling Good,' I talk about my childhood and write a letter to my younger self in the show. The most important thing I would tell her is to trust my instincts. Just trust them. They're little whispers from God, I think. You've heard it a million times, but it's true: Listen to that inner voice.

Who doesn't love Donna Summer's music? It was part of my childhood, always heard around the house.

I'm from a part of Florida that is very close to Georgia in the panhandle area. I have a very colorful Southern family.

I was born in St. Augustine, Florida. I lived there till I was about 13, and then my family moved to Connecticut. I finished school there, and then I went to college in Philadelphia and came to New York in '87. I wasn't finished with school - I left school to go on the road.