Whatever it is you do, study it, learn the ins and outs of it, and really work on building your craft.

A show like 'Orange Is the New Black' has every race and ethnicity - and you don't even have to depend on four networks any more. You can go to Amazon or Netflix and be in an award-winning show.

I try to be very particular about the roles I choose and what they say and put into the universe. I try to do my part.

You have to really understand and appreciate who are you are and know who you are and what you have to offer people - not just a man but people! This helps you have something to stand on. Know your value and what makes you valuable so you can always go back to this.

We respect our elders. There is wisdom that comes from experience, and I am not going to stop learning from wise counsel.

I think I've learned to balance life and career.

Just as long as something is gained, a lesson is learned. I do like those. The more quiet victories are always great.

My mom, who's been in the restaurant business for 40 years, is the number-one influence in my life. But I look up to a lot of people in the industry. Tops on my list is Mario Batali. My mom and Mario taught me the same lesson: Food is love.