I wanted to study to be a dental hygienist, marry a rich dentist, and hang it up.

Mama is my chance to be a stand-up comedian. In my mind, it's my chance to be Chris Rock.

I feel it is time to lighten up and laugh about things and enjoy ourselves a little bit more.

When I started on the 'Burnett' show, I was just out of high school, and when we went off the air, I was 28 years old, married with two kids. At that point I felt I really wanted to be mommy to my children. But I found that after a year and a half, I really missed the part of myself that was an actress.

I was a bio major, and I was going to take over my aunt's dental practice and be a dentist.

Everyone has a crazy old lady in their family like 'Mama.' No one ever comes up to me and says 'Mama' is just like them, so no one is ever offended by her. Even young people like to laugh at her. I think she helps kids appreciate their own grandmothers more.