You get hate in this business growing up. When you're a young performer, you just don't get the credit for the work that you did. And it is what it is. You can't walk around with a chip on your shoulder.

There's a bit of hazing when it comes to the youth performers and a disbelief that you're capable of handling dramatic or comedic material on an adult level.

I took opportunities, big or small, to show that I was a constant professional. I feel like the Sam Jackson of network TV drama.

You need fans in high places, I always tell people. I don't care how talented you are.

I've had young women come to me and say that before they watched 'Voyager' it didn't really occur to them that they could be successful in a higher position in the field of science; girls going to MIT, girls pursuing astrophysics with a view to a career in NASA.

My political career goes back to the '60s and those were times of vigorous debates.

I have never really been confident about my career at any stage.

When I was straight, I had the courage and energy to become an actress. I owe my career to my will to stop using.