The US actress Rosanna Arquette has starred in Hollywood films including 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Crash'. She was also the inspiration for Toto's hit single 'Rosanna' and Peter Gabriel's 'In Your Eyes'. But perhaps her most famous role was in 'Desperately Seeking Susan', a musical version of which has just opened at the Novello theatre in London.

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Going to Topshop with my daughter. She's been asking me to take her shopping all morning. If I was on my own I'd be heading to Stella McCartney.

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A phrase I use far too often is...

"That's awesome!" It's something I've picked up from my daughter. She's quite an influence on me. It's a California thing and I can't help using it even though I know I sound like a surfer.

I wish people would take more notice of...

The environment. People need to be more conscious that this is our earth and we're killing it slowly. We have been living in a greedy and selfish manner, and I really think it's time to wake up.

The most surprising thing that happened to me was...

Finally being comfortable in my own skin. I spent many years seeking self-awareness and wondering what I should be doing on this planet. I got into meditation as well.

A common misperception of me is....

That I'm quirky and kooky. I admit I was, 20 years ago, but I've grown up since then. I'm a mother now, and a lot has changed.

I am not a politician but...

If I was, I'd be backing and working with Barack Obama to help him win. He's a great leader, and I really think he would make a great president.

I'm good at...

Being a mother and also a great listener tomy friends. I'm also areally good cook!

I'm very bad at...

Being patient. I want to see immediate results.

The ideal night out is...

An intimate dinner with close friends, or going to a good concert.

In moments of weakness I...

Pray and meditate. I wouldn't exactly describe myself as religious though – I'm more of a spiritual person. If things aren't going so well, I try to stay positive and not give in to negative thoughts.

You know me as an actress but in anotherlife I'd have been ...

A musician or a teacher. I love working with children, and I love music. Music is the universal language that everyone can understand.

The best age to be is...

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48: the age I am. I'm not complaining; I think I carry my age gracefully.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this:

Go to the light. We all have a choice between darkness and light, and I would say you should choose light.