Give me an 18-hour day on set or in the theater, and I will be the happiest person alive.

My dad has always been really helpful. He taught me that talent is a bonus, but persistence is what wins out.

People idealize or reminisce about their 20s, but nobody tells you beforehand that it's hard and unglamorous and often very unpleasant.

I have a ships bed, which totally plays to my obsession of, if I were not an actress, I would be a pirate.

A lot of people in line at the grocery store think that they know me, but they don't.

I grew up backstage and on movie sets, and I thought they were the most magical places on Earth.

I'm a little bit of a weirdo - I'm kind of a loner, I didn't go to college, I spend a lot of my time reading. I've been working since I was 17, so that's sort of been my life.

With 'Girls,' it doesn't really feel like I'm doing TV specifically. It just feels like we're making a really long film.

Comedy arises out of necessity, because some things are so dark that you have to laugh about it.

No matter what we as individual women want, no matter what our goals, we have to support one another.

I am an avid reader! As for writing, I might - someday. But we'll have to wait and see.

They are orphans again, with no true home but each other and whatever life they can make together on the other side of the sea.

Are you okay?” someone asked. “I’m fine, ” I snapped, turning to face Jayden Griffin. “I have to admit, you’re getting better at lying, Tess Embers, ” he said quietly. “However, I know you’re not okay.

Since the things we do determine the character of life, no blessed person can become unhappy. For he will never do those things which are hateful and petty.

I've always been a guy that has strived for dominating, not only winning.

I hope this brings someone else the courage they need to face whatever challenge is before them.

First of all, learn to laugh at yourself. That's the best way to enjoy yourself, you know, and not to spend much time in the mirror, that's another way.

Go out and make your own speeches. People need you. Go on TV. It can be done. After you speak up a few times, people say, "Hey, we got a crazy man in the community," and they'll begin talking to you.

Abstinence is easier than temperance.

American slavery was not a Sergio Leone Spaghetti Western. It was a holocaust. My ancestors are slaves. Stolen from Africa. I will honor them.

I was influenced a lot by those around me - there was a lot of singing that went on in the cotton fields.