Q.  What are some of the recent projects that you've been working on?

A.  I just did an episode of "Dexter" and I'm waiting to see what happens with this movie I did with Charles S. Dutton last year.

Q.  Where do you draw from for your portrayal?

A.  Either you get that kind of role or you don't because she's a person in charge but she also has to run a lot of people and a lot of things and go by the book.  You just kind of pull from personal experiences of, I'm a mother, I want to help.  You just kind of transfer those other entities into this character because it all kind of washes out to be the same thing, you're in control, you're confident, and you take charge. 

Q.  Is there anything about the role that you found challenging?

A.  It fits me like a glove, which is something you can't always say about a part.  It wasn't a challenge, it was just sure joy, it was fun and it was joy.  The things that I had to say and do were so comfortable.  I really can't say that there were any challenges.

Q.  Was there instant cast chemistry or did it take some time to develop?

A.  One thing about this business is that people come and go.  It's like your home, when people come to your door and you welcome them in you're going to be nice to them, you're not going to treat them badly.  When people come on the show you make them feel comfortable.  The cast was very giving and very loving immediately off the bat. 

Q.  What do you think it is about the show that draws so many viewers in?

A.  First the show has a black female lead which you don't see.  Also I think our characters are very real and very relaxed and I just think the chemistry of the people make a difference.  We don't have to be another show, we're our show, and our chemistry is different than other shows like "ER."  Those shows deal with the same subject matter in a hospital, but they're all completely different shows. 

Q.  Is there a place online where those interested can go to keep up with you?

A.  I have my website that needs to be updated and that's vanessabellcalloway.com.  I'm pretty simple, I'm pretty much an open book.