LaChanze

“I totally believe in opportunities. I don't believe in accidents. I just don't.”

“I'm an actress: I'm used to being independent, doing for myself.”

“I have loved fiercely in my life - a few times.”

“I'm from a part of Florida that is very close to Georgia in the panhandle area. I have a very colorful Southern family.”

“I really studied her singing, trying to see what it was about her that made her such a natural, incredible singer. Because sometimes as a singer, you really have to work to reach a certain note. And for Donna Summer, it seemed effortless.”

“I was a very ambitious, young actor, grateful and getting out there, working hard. I was single-minded in pursuit of my career. I am also the oldest of seven and had this extreme responsibility for everyone around me. I was a caregiver and not taking care of myself as much as I should have.”

“When I make people laugh and I get to laugh, it does my spirit good.”

“In my own one-woman show, 'Feeling Good,' I talk about my childhood and write a letter to my younger self in the show. The most important thing I would tell her is to trust my instincts. Just trust them. They're little whispers from God, I think. You've heard it a million times, but it's true: Listen to that inner voice.”

“That's capital L, small a - no space! - capital C, small h, a, n, z, e.”