A. In reality, it's not that Joan's personal life is far from complete -- because she has a very full life with her friends. Sure, she wants one special person in her life with whom to share her success and happiness, and sure, she hasn't found him yet, but she does not feel incomplete. My personal life is certainly not crazy, but I share with Joan a strong passion for the friends who make up my "family."

Q. What drew you to the role of Joan?

A. Her vulnerability, humanness and the many layers to the character. She's strong and intelligent with a great life and great friends, but because she is afraid to share that intimate part of herself, she always has to be in control. The more she allows herself to be herself, I think she'll be able to relax and really just let things happen. Those layers include the Joan who is a strong attorney, a sexy woman, a giggly girl, and a great friend.

Q. Is there a story behind how you got the role?

A. I auditioned like everybody else, and that's a scary thing. I got the material a half-hour before I went before the show's producers. I was nervous as actors always are before an audition, but this time I was nervous in a different way. I felt like I did a good job, but didn't think I was really right for the part. Apparently, the producers thought otherwise because I kept getting called back.

Q. You hosted your own program on Lifetime, "The Dish," a lighthearted blend of views and reviews. As an actress, how does it feel to have your work publicly reviewed?

A. On some level, it's really scary because you want everyone to enjoy what you do. On a completely different level, it's none of my business what you think of me. I have a core group of friends and my family who keep me strong and centered, and I don't get my validation from things like reviews, although it's always nice to hear positive things about your work.

Q. What do you think GIRLFRIENDS says about young, career-driven women?

A. It says that we can do anything we want. We just have to work harder to keep our lives balanced, that's all.

Q. Do you have a close circle of girlfriends in your personal life? What are they like?

A. I have a very close group of girlfriends. They're all professionals. Two are actors, one is in the fashion business and another is a graphic designer. It's tough for us to get together right now, so we spend lots of time on the telephone.

Q. What do you consider to be your first BIG career break, and what did you learn from that experience?

A. I guess it would have to be MTV's "Lyricist Lounge," because it was the first thing I've done where people recognized me for my work and for my talent, rather than for how I looked or who my mom is. Nothing compares to making people laugh -- that's extremely validating, you know.

Q. No doubt, you have met some truly gifted performers, powerful politicians, athletes and other inspirational "larger-than-life" personalities growing up as the child of a megastar. Who is the most amazing person you've met, and why?

A. Human beings who might not be in the public eye have actually been more influential than many of the celebrities I've met. The connections are often stronger, and they don't have all the trappings of celebrity surrounding them. Now, having said that, I must admit that when I met Sandra Bullock, I remember thinking "what a grace she has." You could tell that her light was coming from within.

Q. There was a time when "a woman's place was in the home." Where do you think a woman's place is now?

A. Wherever she wants to be.

Q. Looking back through entertainment history, can you name one film role and one television role you would have liked to play, and why?

A. The fact that they re-made "Sabrina" without me kills me. Those clothes, and that line about the moon -- that should have been me up there. Regarding television, while no specific roles come to mind, Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball are the queens of TV as far as I'm concerned. I never wanted to be them, but I am truly inspired by their gifted work.

Q. What, in your opinion, is the secret to a woman being both funny and sexy? How much of it is about appearance?

A. None of it is about appearance -- it all comes from the inside. That's the secret.

Q. How much of GIRLFRIENDS do you think reflects the real-life experience of today's single African-American woman?

A. I can only speak for myself and I am not a spokesperson for all African-American women. I really believe that Joan is a truthful reflection of my life in all the ways that translate to viewers -- the feelings and emotions behind the situations Joan faces, I've certainly experienced. Also, I get to wear my hair the way I wear my hair -- curly. We don't see much of that on TV these days, and I'm glad that GIRLFRIENDS lets me be an authentic woman. This series displays the many facets of its characters, which is extremely important because, as human beings, we are all multi-faceted.

Q. Do you call your girlfriends "girlfriend" when addressing them (such as, "Hi girlfriend, how are you doing")?

A. No, but since I began work on this show, I've been called "girlfriend" a lot more by my friends.