A Woman for All Seasons

How did you survive being a child star without the major meltdowns we've seen in Britney Spears and others? What was the key?
My mother, plain and simple. I was so afraid of disappointing her that I wouldn't dare do anything to embarrass her. She knew all she had to do was look at me with that face of disappointment and I'd crumble. That said, I also didn't have the constant media attention that these kids have today, and that makes a world of difference. Still, the credit is due to my mother, who made sure my money was protected and that everything was done in my best interest. She did things so well that I'm still in a place where I can be choosey about the roles I take. I owe it all to her.

So what's next for you—TV or film?
I'd love to have the stability of a television show. It keeps you in one place, and that's so important because of my son. Right now I'm preparing do a movie on the life of Shirley Chisholm for the production company my sister and I run together. It's an important role for me, because I talk to so many African-Americans under the age 35 who have no idea who she was, and I find that unacceptable. She was amazing, and that needs to be celebrated.

© 2007