Octavia Spencer

“I think it's actually a misperception that I am a comedic actress. I do more drama than comedy but very little of it has been seen. When you are in big funny movies and they do well and your little part in it kind of explodes people perceive you as a comedian.”

“There are so many more women and men who deserve opportunities. People of color. Period.”

“City Year resonated with me because when I grew up, we were poor - and an education is a way out of poverty. It's a way out of the current situation that can seem isolating and hopeless for some kids.”

“I gravitate to the roles, not necessarily television or film. It's just the fact that, for me, the most interesting roles have been in television.”

“The thing about the South is we accept our history. We don't push it under the rug.”

“People want to see something that isn't necessarily somebody walking around in a superhero costume.”

“I think diversity is something that should be celebrated because it's who we are as a world, and little kids need to be able to turn on the TV and see real-world representations of themselves. It's very important.”

“If you tell me I can't eat something, I'll obsess over it and end up overeating!”

“I am not maternal at all. I don't have any kids.”

“I am an advocate of education. It is the panacea for all that ails us in our society.”

“Being a part of a large family is just like a little society: those who fight to the top of the heap. We relied on each other and still do. They never discouraged me or told me to get a proper job.”

“If a great role comes along, and you are too tall to play it, then I think the role is too small for your talents.”

“I'm excited that I get to do what I love, and I'm benefiting through projects that speak to me.”

“I know I'm never going to be one of those size 2 actresses - that's just not me. But I do want to be the healthiest I can be, and a role model to women of all shapes and sizes.”