Hollywood wanted a certain type of comic - that Def Jam comedy style of comic that was very loud, very brash, very much from the ghetto, had that sensibility.

Saying slavery was the cause of secession isn't politically correct; it's correct correct.

You know that sadness and rage you feel about your money? That's the way some of us feel about people.

The Oscar nominations are out, and they're so white a grand jury has decided not to indict them.

I love writing family stories.

When I was a kid, I was very much interested in magic and science. They fueled interest in one another.

Even though you're in charge you're not completely in ownership. You know, the audience takes a huge ownership of your show.

There's a lot of magic in science, so to speak.

I've always felt like I had a guardian angel in some of those ways.

I like to get things going. I get so many different ideas, whether it's film, TV, whatever.

When I was born there were still different drinking fountains you had to drink out of.

To sit in the shade on a fine day, and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.

It is not female egotism to say that the future of mankind may very well be ours to determine. It is a fact.

The reason I make art is because I get to make a choice about who I am, what I do, and what I put out into the world, the footsteps I leave behind.

The way to defeat fear: decide on a course of conduct and follow it. Keep so busy and work so hard that you forget about being afraid.

There is a wonderful expression: seeing through a glass darkly. Everything, even life, is inevitably removed from you. You can't reach, or touch, the real. You just see reflections

Some comedians change their style, often to their advantage; but I see no reason why I can't continue with the "urbane sophisticate" 'til the day I die.

I think people who come into my home feel comfortable and welcome and loved. And the biggest thing in my living room (the fireplace) is in and of itself an expression of love.

Where great whales come sailing by, Sail and sail, with unshut eye, Round the world for ever and aye.

For me, the main inspiration to write a story or novel is the voice of its central character, or the narrative voice of the story itself.

It is remarkable that the elements diffused through the host of stars are some of those most closely connected with the living organisms of our globe.