Shonda Rhimes Quotes

In terms of being a role model, I didn't start out to be one. I don't go to work every day with that in mind. But, I do get a lot of fan mail from young girls.

Two of my biggest heroes were my father and John Wayne.

I think the toughest part for me was when Herschelle said that he obviously looked up to his Captain, and he felt if his Captain could do it, then so could he, and that to me was when it really struck home.

I deeply admire and respect Hillary Clinton. I think she is a great intellect with great fortitude. I think she was a strong secretary of state and a hardworking and effective senator.

It's always fun when somebody who you admire and respect is the voice - is your voice, as a viewer.

I feel like I have so many middle-aged women who look up to me.

The people I really most admire are Robert Kennedy and Franklin Roosevelt. If you know someone, it is very hard to revere them.

My grandfather is the greatest man I'll ever know.

I even asked Eleanor Roosevelt difficult questions and she loved it.

My mom is very confident and she was always a role model of mine.

And besides, because of all she has accomplished, Barbara Jordan has always been a hero of mine.

Denzel Washington is someone I look up to.

I appreciate that young girls look up to me. And I take that very seriously.

Ossie Davis was a man with great integrity, great honor and someone who I feel has done us all a great service just by being on the Earth.

My father would have been impressed by Barack Obama's mind and style and grace of manner, as well as by - I'm certain - his abilities as a writer.

Someone like Billie Jean King is completely my idol.

I did not have Eleanor Roosevelt’s courage, her energy, her determination … Mrs. Roosevelt just didn’t pay attention to all the snide things that were said about her. I respect that but I could not be like that.

Jane Fonda is someone who impressed me.

I got a lot of respect for Nancy Pelosi. I love her. She was a mentor of mine.

Marlon Brando was the major influence in my life, though I never met him. And my father - we didn't get along, but he was an influence in terms of honesty and work ethic. That's the greatest compliment I could pay him.

A lot of young actors look up to me, and I wouldn't trade that for any money in the world. I don't want to lose their respect and be a hypocrite.

First Lady Michelle Obama - I admire her confidence, integrity, intelligence, compassion, and her overall vibe - she is such an inspiration.

I've wanted to interview Hillary Clinton since I was 15 years old.

If somebody says I'm a leader or notices the things I try to do to be a leader, it's the ultimate compliment.

I think it's a huge compliment from the younger guys understanding what I did for the game and wanting to represent me by wearing my shoes.