Ming-Na Wen

Mom takes all the credit for my success. Now Mom says, 'I read your face when you were a baby, and it said you were going to be a star. That's why I named you Ming - because it's all about the sun and the stars and enlightenment.'

The 'ER' role was not Asian-specific, and my agent knew that I loved the show.

I've always dreamed that George Lucas would call me one day and ask me to be in one of the 'Star Wars' films.

I was a total sci-fi geek. 'Star Wars' was my ultimate favorite.

Being a sci-fi geek, it was just lovely to be on a show where I pretend I'm in outer space. That's always been my dream: to pretend to be out in space or actually be out in space.

I love doing TV. It's so great for my world as a mom, as someone who likes to have a steady job and go to work feeling secure because I'm with a family.

When I grew up in Pittsburgh in my parents' restaurant, I was almost like a country bumpkin.

'Star Wars' is on my bucket list. Even if it's just a small walk on, I don't care.

'Mulan' holds a very special place in my heart. It's been 16 years since the film, but hordes of fans still come up and tell me how much she means to them.

I'm sort of a gypsy at heart and don't like to stay in one place too long.

Both my parents are chefs... I grew up in a restaurant and was always surrounded by cooks. I love food.

I'm not one of those actresses that's going to feel like I never achieved my dreams and goals and just get disgruntled and hate everything about the business. I've had so much fun.

I'm trying to show I'm a trained actress - I can transform myself into different characters. I'm not just an ingenue.

I appreciate both... for me, I think 'Star Wars' is more science fantasy and is based on a lot of great legendary heroes and morality plays and stuff. And 'Star Trek' is just pure fun. Pure science fun. And I've always appreciated both.

I think on 'ER,' my other long-running show, I had some ideas about what's going on. 'Stargate Universe,' they were kind of secretive too a little bit about what they wanted to do, but I kind of liked working this way. I like the surprises, and I like knowing just enough to work on the character.

I've loved all forms of animation.

I'm like Madonna: I'm Ming-Na. Just my first and middle name. That's it. Pure and simple.

What I want is the same opportunities as anyone to get a part.

There's just so much love that goes into home cooking, and I think it will really help the American family overall. I'm hoping to maybe get a cookbook out one day because I've got some great family recipes.

I'm as proud to be Chinese as I am American.