Quotes

[on Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)] I went in for an audition and one of the things that caught their eye on my photo was that I had the same last name as Jason. Nowadays, I don't really get recognized, but some people freak out when they see my last name. I tell them Jason Voorhees is my husband...and that it's a real bitch getting blood stains out of his laundry.

Everyone gets beat up in this world. Trust me. No exceptions. No, that pretty girl doesn't have it made; nor does that rich guy. All get knocked around. The strongest do not hit back with force but stand up against the enemy by simply refusing to allow the enemy's behavior to control your emotions. Staying positive in a sea of venom isn't always possible, but find your way back to that place as soon as possible. Anger eats away at the one who is angry, not at the enemy.

[asked whether she regrets appearing nude in Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)] I have had some tough times because of that decision, such as being judged unfairly and not being allowed to teach (one of my passions) in high school. I taught British Literature, English, grammar, and journalism in high school for four years. Two school boards exiled me because of it. At one school, some boys got a hold of the tit shots from the film and text messaged them around the school. This was three weeks before my seniors graduated and I wasn't allowed to stay through the end or sit with my students and fellow teachers at graduation. I still went to graduation and sat in the stands with the public. When the public was allowed to go down to congratulate the kids, I held my head high and tried to find as many of my seniors as possible to congratulate them. That was hurtful, but after only four years I have so many students who have let me know I have made a difference for them. I have so many e-mails and letters that warm my heart. Several of my kids signed a petition on my behalf, wrote letters, and spoke with the principal on my behalf - even several months after there was no hope of my returning. One of my boys gave me a huge hug at graduation and told me how sorry he was. "You have no idea how guilty I feel. You've taught me so much and helped me so much." That meant the world to me.

I do not regret the times in my life that have made me who I am. So many live a life of "quiet desperation". My life has been anything but that. I've gone from working as an actress to writing as a journalist for 16 years (last 11 years at the Dallas Morning News) as well as writing fictional screenplays and my novel "Memoirs of a Hit Man", to experiencing the joy and pain of teaching teenagers, to coming full-circle back to the film business. So, absolutely, no regrets.