Vanessa Williams

“The wiser you get, the more experience you have, and the more you see people for who they are as human beings, as opposed to figures you have to fight against.”

“My parents were always supportive. They didn't say, 'Get a real job.' They believed in the arts, and they prepared me to be skilled. I'm lucky I can drop into these worlds - into a studio or onto a set or go on stage - and feel comfortable.”

“I danced modern dance my whole life, and it makes me feel young again.”

“I love to ski and drive fast cars and the thrill of exciting things.”

“I've picked up a lot of fans from doing 'Ugly Betty': a lot of teenagers who didn't even know I had a singing career.”

“I think there's a time to work, and everyone has to kind of adjust. And then there's a time to relax, and be the mom or take the kids on vacation when you need to wind down. So it's a matter of planning, and being able to map out your year or your week or let's start with the day. It is just being multi-tasking and being available.”

“Well, my mom taught public school music for almost 40 years. And she's about 5 feet - and very mighty. And she would control her kids a lot by giving them the eye, or the stare.”

“If you want my Tim Hortons order, I do get the egg and sausage and cheese on a biscuit. One is usually enough. If I'm really feeling greedy, I'll get two. I'll do that with a large coffee.”

“I love working out in groups - I love the community of it and the energy, and I love great instructors who inspire you and make you sweat!”

“Success is the sweetest revenge.”

“You're always going to have people that are naysayers, that don't believe in your talent, that don't believe that you have any kind of longevity.”

“I don't really shop a lot, just cause I'd rather not spend my money on clothes.”

“Whether it's your family, friends, community that you connect with, don't be afraid to reach out. That's my biggest advice that I can say for anyone going through any kind of obstacle or trials or tribulations. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Ask for help, because you never know where you'll find it.”

“Both my parents were educators, so interviews and college applications and shaking hands and looking people in the eye and feeling confident and knowing what you can bring to any project or audition - I've known about these things my entire life.”

“Broadway is really my life.”

“There are a lot of things that you don't realize that your parents are going through when you're a kid.”

“I am lucky to have three daughters who are completely different. I look at my daughters and I have different relationships with all three and there are parts of each personality that are very special.”

“As I grow older, I feel like my authentic self has been able to shine through more and more, and people can see that.”