Keiko Agena

Keiko: As an actor, you have certain responsibilities to choose roles that will be positive images. I wouldn't do anything that was stereotypical or demeaning.

Keiko: There are challenges -- one of the dangers of getting married so young is giving up your dreams, or getting settled too soon... I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing to get married at young age.

Keiko: I think people become more well-rounded the more time you invest in learning about [your parents].

Keiko: (about the "Gilmore Girls" cast) It's a happy cast, I'm so fortunate.

Keiko: (on Edward Herrmann from "Gilmore Girls") He's such a good conversationalist, so intelligent.

Keiko: Being an Asian-American actor doesn't make it more difficult. I see it as an opportunity. And a chance to help other Asian-American actors coming along.

Keiko: Ever since I found out I got the part on Gilmore Girls, my life has been changing in so many ways. It seems as though all we get is good news. I'm just so grateful to be a part of it. It's a wholesome show with an edge. I have no idea how we pull it off.

Keiko: Being on a successful show is kind of like being a sea turtle. Every year sea turtles lay hundreds and hundreds of eggs but only a few manage to survive and mature. It's the same with TV pilots. There are so many great ideas, but for whatever reason only the lucky ones get picked up. I know that sounds kind of cheesy, but that's how it feels to me.

Keiko: I am really fortunate to have parents who supported my plan to become an actress when I was a little kid. And then there was my Grandma. She was the best. She was always there and ready to drive me to all my plays and stuff.

Keiko: I've learned a lot of things from Lane. For starters, she has this great friendship with Rory - this incredible female bond. Before the show I was a bit of a tomboy and most of my friends were guys. Now, however, I am still a tomboy, but I have started having some really great friendships with girls as well as guys.

Keiko: The women I admire most in this business are Susan Sarandon, Bette Midler and Winona Ryder. Susan Sarandon because she's, well, Susan Sarandon. Winona because she's never compromised herself by showing her body in any of her love scenes, and Bette Midler because she has such a varied life. Her family, her marriage and her career are all priorities.