Lee Daniels

I wanted to make a black 'Dynasty.'

People enjoy making fun of people who are famous; they love putting people down.

To come into my world, I've got some M&Ms and some potato chips, and I'm asking you to move furniture. We're making a movie. We're making it like we're putting on a play.

Well, I actually wrote her a letter a couple of days ago congratulating her. The tone I tried to convey in the letter is, look, you are a part of a great American historical process.

I think for any actor, for the roles they deeply, truly want? They always have to audition for them.

Ever since I watched 'Roots,' I've dreamed of tracing my African ancestry and helping other people do the same.