Growing up in Ireland, when my family received important news, good or bad, we would boil water and make tea. It was the first thing I did when my father died in 1984. This ritual allowed me a moment to take in the enormity of what had happened.

Jessica Simpson is the youth ambassador for Operation Smile, and an episode of The Apprentice featured a team managing a charity concert she put on. Donald Trump came on stage and pledged a donation.

I came up through the theater. I came out of drama college and started working in the professional theater.

I tell about some of the female characters from the Bible so girls can be inspired and empowered and uplifted.

From a very young age, I was singing and acting and performing for my family.

When I look back at the pictures of our blended family the day Vince and I married, he and I are smiling, and all the children are frowning.

Think it not hard if you get not your will, nor your delights in this life; God will have you to rejoice in nothing but himself.

I think what's really important is valuing friendships and family a lot.