You can't look at people being crucified. Even if you know it is just pretend.

It's true, I've become one of those grumpy older women.

Acting attracts shy people and show-offs.

I have spent my whole life educating myself.

I am drawn to characters that go on journeys, characters that are real people, that have life.

I don't tell everyone my life history because if everyone knows your inside-leg measurement, how can you surprise them?

You need to keep on doing things you have never done before in your career. You have to have a go.

You don't go to a comedy and try to laugh. You laugh in spite of yourself. You don't just come on stage and cry. Something has pushed you to cry.

I've learnt to listen. I don't think I always did listen.

When you play someone who is an iconic figure you can't go into it lightly.

I've had very close relationships with some twentieth-century writers.

Hope is a seed that grows inside us from the moment we are born

You are your own leader. Where are you driving yourself to now? You can't afford to go wayward! Rise up and break new territories and live life so well.

If any of you wish to know how to have your bread fall butter side up, butter it on both sides, and then it will fall butter side up.

Try pitching a story of happiness to your editors and their toes are going to curl up.

I never read a self-help book except for the Bible.

Most dystopian, classic and contemporary, paints a future world that puts a twist on present society - a future world that could plausibly happen.

I have left all my business and all my husbands; I have taken with me only fair weather and my children, which is as much as I want.

All matter is quantified thought - manifested by the thoughts you give precedence to. It is your dominant thoughts that determine your destiny.

The idea - the core idea of humanism - is that the act of reading about great deeds will lead you to imitate them.

Work to make a living; serve to make a life.