As actors we always say that once the person in a scene gets what they want, the scene is over. It's resolved. But life is never resolved - you're always in the process.
Honestly, 'Parenthood' was not what I planned. I didn't plan to do another drama. I didn't plan to play a single mom. I didn't plan, even, to do an ensemble show. But I hadn't found anything I liked as much. I just connected to the show.
I always saw myself as a comedic actor and wacky best friend.
What I remember about coming to L.A. is that suddenly work was as big a presence in my life as my life itself.
Strangers were worried about me; that's how long I was single!
If you're meeting someone for the first time after three hours of hair, makeup, and styling, you've already set the bar too high.
The thing about good writing is it has a music to it.
We moved in 8th grade, so 7th grade I was doing okay, and then 8th grade, everything fell apart. I had no fashion sense to speak of. We only had a couple of hair care products back then. We didn't have all these things to tame your hair. I had glasses; I had braces. I had it all.
Because I have no consistent schedule as an actor, it was difficult to develop one as a writer. Ideally, I'd like to write first thing in the morning, every day. But sometimes I'm called to set before the sun comes up, or I've worked late the night before, or I'm on a plane.
I'm baffled when young actors aren't familiar with current film, television and theater, or aren't interested in older films or plays and the history of the craft in general. If you don't know what's out there, and what came before, then how can you picture yourself working, and how can anyone else?
Having trees and a track to run on have become more important to me than living near cool restaurants.
I've pretty much always been on a diet since I was born. And the women in my family struggle, so I find the less I think about food, in a way, the happier I am. In general, I think I eat less the less I think about it.
I've always really liked being active. I do Spinning classes, I run, I have a trainer, I do Pilates with my sister Shade.
Sometimes I'll think, 'That was a really nice day. I ate well, I exercised, I called some friends, wasn't working too hard,' but I rarely have one of those.
I have way too many jeans. But I never seem to have a top to wear.
I really think if you're trying to look good, do something athletic. I have a little mini tramp, and sometimes I'll just try to jump for 20 minutes. It gets your blood circulating, and that always looks really pretty.
Just for daily wear, I love discovering new jeans companies.
I've learned a lot from trainers over the years, but mainly that you need discipline to stay in the gym and out of the many fine cupcake emporiums on every corner.
I love doing the 'New York Times' crossword puzzle, even on the days I can't finish it.
For a time in high school, I had glasses, braces, and a cast. I like to call this look 'no date for homecoming.'
