Quotes

I felt different born into a family with two sisters who are blonde and blue-eyed, with me being the only brunette. [interview with People Weekly magazine, July 31, 2000. Volume 54, Number 5]

I would rather not work than play in a movie that nobody watches.

We've always been ready for female superheroes. Because women want to be them and men want to do them.

I don't want to be exploited. That of course, as an actress, is a real challenge, not to be exploited. So I'm just going to keep looking for as many different types of roles as I can find in different genre movies. That's my goal, my aim. I like doing that. I've had a pretty varied career so far.

I don't even like talking about dating. It's like having a stamp on your forehead: 'I'm available and I'm looking'.

I think acting is just like that. There is something childish and fun about it.

[on her character's change in X2: X-Men United (2003) (aka X-Men United)] I love darkness. I am attracted to the dark side of life! I thought it was really interesting that Jean Grey went through some changes in this film.

Looking back, boy, has there ever been a stigma in being a Bond Girl. That's what my mission in life is, just to prove them wrong. That's why I have such an urge to keep going and proving that. It's so silly. What on earth does the way you look have anything to do with whether you can act or not.

I'm a firm believer in taking risks in life, because you'll never get anywhere unless you do, and the more risk involved the greater the outcome - or the worse, but you never know so you've got to go for it.

As long as corruption exists, human trafficking will likely flourish. I'd like to give something back on an issue that matters to me.

[on character's past and future versions in the "X-Men" films] I'm actually really excited about it. And its not the first time obviously that it's happened. In the 'X-Men' series, they've been doing this for years. Although women, it's interesting because they're replaced, and the older versions - or more mature, whatever the politically correct version of that is - are never to be seen again. Whereas the men are allowed to be both ages. Sexism. I think that I should be back along with my younger version and the way that we've seen it with Magneto and Professor X.

Coffee plays an important part in my life. I love everything about it: the taste, aroma, ritual, the latte art and the social aspect.

I was in South Africa earlier this year, filming Redeeming Love. On my days off, I visited a rhino sanctuary called Care for Wild. It changed my life.

I studied writing and literature at Columbia University.

My taste in film ranges from 1930s screwball comedies to 1970s gritty films.

I only wear dresses and skirts. I haven't worn pants in my private life in years.

I split my time between NYC and London.

One of my proudest career moments was working with Ava DuVernay. I'm inspired by her work, and I admire that she fights for diversity in front of and behind the camera.

I'm hopeless in the kitchen. I can't cook to save my life.

Chocolate's right up there with coffee for me.

I proudly serve on the board of the Film Forum in NYC. This year marks its 50th anniversary!

My favorite artists are Louise Bourgeois and William Kentridge.

Painting is my other passion. I'm inspired by nature's magnificent colors and the mystery of science.

I studied economics at the University of Amsterdam before abandoning school to travel the world as a model.

I love to dance. Nothing in the world makes me happier.

I love dogs. I love all animals. My late dog, Licorice, and I once did a campaign together for PETA.