LaTanya Richardson

I have always been involved in some philanthropic work - growing up in the church, you always had to have a reasonable portion of service to the community and to people who have less, who need a helping hand. It's just something in my heart that I know needs to be done.

Folks are always talking about 40 acres and a mule, but what we need is some psychoanalysis. Forget 40 acres in a mule: sign all of us up for some shrinks so we can get ourselves right by reflecting and truly learning ourselves.

I think most Americans, when we're building a character, we look at the specificity of what that person is, in particular.

I came to New York in 1974, when I graduated from college. And you had to use 'Backstage' because all of the auditions were listed there. Most people didn't come with agents, so you got to see a lot of what was auditioning and when and where. 'Backstage' made sure you knew the major places.

The theater is the reason I am an actress.

I didn't want my daughter brought up by nannies, and I didn't want her to feel I wasn't around.

Look at Michelle Obama. Everyone keeps making a big deal about her arms being exposed, but don't get it twisted: her arms are out for a reason. Black women have had those arms forever - lifting, picking cotton, toting and carrying babies.

I know it's a stock answer, but besides acting, I'd love to produce and direct.

Acting is in your soul.

I have not tried for a career that's showy. I have always tried to layer things in and not push it. I love an underperformance, where you're so entrenched in who that person is that you're living in it.

I hold onto the spirit of God for everything, and that works for me. That aspect of my life is very real and is the truth.

If I can stay centered, I'm basically going to be living in the world a happy person.