You can still have a very productive, crime-free life when you're growing up in show business.

I always feel bad when people ask me questions. I always felt that I was a terrible interview because I don't have any problems with anyone, and I don't have a terrible past. Or I don't have any terrible problems to talk about that would make interesting articles.

I appreciate everything. I built my career from very humble beginnings. Every job I've had, every next rung on the ladder, I appreciate because I know where it started - I started doing Pac-Man vitamin commercials.

That's the whole reason I got into acting: I don't do this like some grown-ups have to do it, because they have families, and they have to make money. It's not my job. My dad works to support our family. So I just do it for fun.

In so many ways, segregation shaped me, and education liberated me.

Apart from education, you need good health, and for that, you need to play sports.

My father died when I was young, and my mother, Ruth, went to work in an office selling theater and movie parties. She put me through private school, Horace Mann, in Riverdale. She sent me to camp so that I would learn to compete. She was a lioness, and I was her cub.

I was always a very good student, 3.98 GPA... But once I found out I only had to take math and science for two years, I didn't take them junior or senior year. And I convinced my high school to give me actual credits for doing professional shows in Minneapolis... as work-study.