“The arts was always a place where I could be present.” — Okieriete Onaodowan Quote

“The arts was always a place where I could be present.”

“I played Pierre, a white Russian aristocrat, and my co-lead was Denee Benton. Two black leads playing not black people - it was an important moment for the Broadway community to say diversity is possible and it's here.”

“I don't want to be anyone but me, but as a versatile as possible.”

“I was a little press writer when the National Endowment for the Arts came to my rescue and gave me an award. I couldn't buy a light bulb. Almost more than the money, the awards are important because they show that someone believes in you.”

“I was raised with the idea that the arts were a doss - but the arts are vital. If you see Mark Rylance perform Shakespeare at the Globe, you know it's a spiritual act.”

“Rather than go to the gym, I would prefer to do martial arts because the time goes by quicker.”