I think American drama is at its best when it takes the domestic and makes it epic, like a Greek tragedy in the front room.

I sometimes think it's like a weird elastic band. The more tragic your work is, the quicker you snap back. There's a catharsis in telling a miserable old tale; you get rid of demons.

There are some roles you just don't say 'no' to. Those compass points: you get them so rarely as an actress.

I don't look like Catherine Zeta-Jones, so I don't think Hollywood would be that interested in me, to be honest. I just want nice work.

As I get older, I want to draw on my experience to make roles better. I see that in the older women who inspire me - their experience makes them better.

Nothing is more diminishing than trying to control success or hold on to things.

People at a point of conflict are always the most interesting stories to tell.

You can't worry too much about profile; otherwise, you become a different kind of actor, and that's not the kind of actor I want to be.

There are people out there with three jobs and small children. Being an actor is a walk in the park compared to working as a cleaner overnight. I'm lucky I'm not plucking chickens.

You just grow up and learn to think instead of just feel.

When I started drama school, theatre was the main draw. I never had any movie star notions. Not that there were family ties to the theatre, either.

Be kind to all and rude to no one.

You have only one life, don’t waste your life, fulfilling others dream.

My first kiss. One tiny, sweet, cosmic kiss. Like falling from a star, onto a cloud, and into a love song.

Everyone wants the fairy tale, but don’t forget there are dragons in those stories.

Alas! they had been friends in youth but whispering tongues can poison truth.

Tea Party has now cost the Republicans 5 senate seats. My next donation is going to them.

She was a large woman who seemed not so much dressed as upholstered.

You sort of can't talk about the post production unless you talk about what comes first.

The genius of America is that we are still a land of undiscovered shores, and we are at our best when we open our hearts and allow the night winds to bring renewed visions of great deeds.

But you cant get all hung up on details when you are trying to survive.