On being part of TV history “I began as a writing apprentice on The Cosby Show. It was exhilarating to depict African-American people never before seen on television.”

On letting go of people pleasing “I lost my mother when I was 38 and miss her guidance. But recently I’ve realized it’s time to stop looking for an example. I’m the elder now; my approval-seeking days are over.”

On sexiness at fifty-something “I hear women my age say they feel invisible, but I disagree. I believe that it’s important to put yourself out there. Look at Sophia Loren; she’s in her seventies and still embraces her sensuality.”

On how she keeps up her looks “Thanks to Clairol Nice ’n Easy Perfect 10 color [$12; drugstores], I have no clue how many grays I’ve got.”

On her career mantra “The best advice I’ve ever received: ‘If you’re too comfortable, it’s time to move on. Terrified of what’s next? You’re on the right track.’ ”

-As told to Nikki Ostasiewski