Many people know Rosanna Arquette as an American actress, film director, film producer, and now podcaster. Fewer people know she has been an engaged activist for decades on many of the biggest cultural issues of our times. In this talk, Rosanna shares her very personal story about the role Empathy plays in her life through social activism. More info at https://www.rosannaarquette.com/about Many people know Rosanna Arquette as an American actress, film director and film producer. Fewer people know she has been an engaged activist for decades on many of the biggest cultural issues of our times. Rosanna Lisa Arquette was born in New York City to a show business family. She was the first-born child of five in the third generation of the Arquette acting clan. Her grandfather Cliff Arquette played “Charley Weaver” on The Jack Paar Show and was a regular on the original Hollywood Squares. Her father, character actor Lewis Arquette, was well known as “J.D. Pickett” on The Waltons. Her siblings Patricia Arquette, David Arquette, Alexis Arquette and Richmond Arquette all followed her into the family tradition as accomplished working actors. She began acting as a child while growing up in a bohemian atmosphere of gypsy-like travel and communes. Her mother, Mardi, was a poet, political activist and therapist who deeply influenced Rosanna’s compassionate world-view. More info at https://www.rosannaarquette.com/about This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx