Q) What are the recent projects that you're working on?

A) Right now, we're currently shooting season five of "Friday Night Lights."

Q) Please tell us what is new on season four of "Friday Night Lights" and with your character Regina Howard.

A) Season four of the show is currently airing on NBC. Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) has gone off to a different school and is now with the East Dylan Lions. That has kind of shaken up the town a little bit. Regina Howard is introduced in episode two of season four and it's in a not so favorable light. She's at the height of her drug addiction when she meets Coach Taylor who has come to her apartment looking for my son. In our first exchange, I'm not putting my best foot forward. So, in season four, Regina is definitely struggling with addiction and trying the best she can to fight addiction, initially, by herself. She's trying to go clean the good old fashioned way, which is strength and determination, but she falters along the way to the point where she has to eventually get outside help.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the show?

A) Initially, I think it was more so it was shot in Austin, Texas and I have homes in both Austin and LA. I find it a delight if I can ever stay in Texas and work. This show was already up and going for three seasons. It was also already an award winning show as it won the Peabody and had been nominated for an Emmy in previous years. I was really aware of "Friday Night Lights," but hadn't had the opportunity to audition for something that really fit. This particular character intrigued me enough to audition for it and I was able to research to play such a gritty character.

Q) Where did you draw from to portray this character?

A) There was nothing I could personally draw from for this character, pertaining to addiction. So, I reached out to a local recovery center for drug addiction and alcoholism called Austin Recovery. They were gracious enough to open up their doors to me to come in and learn about addition from behind the scenes. They allowed me to literally bring in a notepad and pen and ask questions and participate in different types of therapy sessions. I learned a lot about drug addiction and substance abuse, no matter what form it is whether it is crack cocaine or alcoholism. What I quickly realized when I walked through the doors of Austin Recovery was that, as a society as a whole, no matter what age, race, origin or creed all of us (whether we are directly the addict or if we're the family member of the addict) are all effected with this disease. I think originally in my head I thought that anyone struggling with addiction just had to be mentally tough and strong and they could fight through it. More and more as I dug and researched at Austin Recovery, I noticed that this is truly a disease that effects our community, our society and our world. I think if more people took the time to do research about drug addiction then maybe it will allow them to have a softer heart for those who are struggling with this disease.

Q) What was the most challenging aspect of the role?

A) I think the hardest part was making sure I was convincing once I did all the research. I worked with my acting coach to seem as authentic as possible. One of the things that really pleased me was that episode two of my introduction, a lot of the patients at Austin Recovery saw and gave me some kudos. That made me feel really good to know that they thought I was doing some authentic work.

Q) Was there instant chemistry joining a cast that was already three seasons in and so close or did it take some time to develop?

A) I think all of us are introduced in season four, including my son played by Michael B. Jordan, were welcomed with such open arms from behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera. The cast and crew are just a well oiled machine and a wonderful family unit. I love going to work every day to see the wonderful faces that are so welcoming and loving. It makes you feel safe as an actor to be in such a loving, kind and warm environment to work. This was already well established, but as soon as we came we were welcomed in as family members.

Q) What was your most memorable moment from filming season four of "Friday Night Lights?"

A) I would say behind the camera it would be the comradery, the family and the friendships. In front of the camera, there is a scene where my son and I are in the hospital together because I suffered a relapse. The scene is so well written by the writer of the episode and what Michael brought to the scene along with myself there was a chemistry that took place between the two of us that day that I thought was quite natural.

Q) Why do you think people continue to tune in to see the show?

A) I think it's the core group of people. We don't have the ratings like some of the other shows on NBC or our competitors, but we do have a solid base of committed fans whether they are on Facebook or watching the show on Friday, which is a tough timeslot to be on. We have a good core from 4-6 million people that definitely tune in on Friday and watch it or they DVR it or TIVO it and watch it later. It's because of those fans that I think we've been so successful on our run on NBC and stayed on so long.

Q) Where can people go online to learn more about you?

A) I am kind of private. I am under construction for a new website. My manager and I are working on something like that. Of course, I have the all famous Facebook page. I am definitely on there so fans can reach out to me there. You can also Google me.