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

Acting attracts shy people and show-offs.

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

I can't understand why people so readily put themselves up to be humiliated.

I don't really care any longer what other people think.

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

I don't think I've been in a supporting role in any of the plays I've done, ever.

I find talking about acting very boring, having to come out with platitudes about how terribly nice everyone is. I would much rather just do it.

I have spent my whole life educating myself.

I love the drive from York to Whitby over the moors - one of the great journeys, in my book.

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

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

I've never lost a grown-up child, but I have known loss.

In my life, I've had estates in Russia, houses in Spain, in Norway, in the deep south of America.

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

Mostly in life people are trying not to have emotions.

Some people will never change.

The thing about being an actor is that you turn into other people. You have to hide yourself a bit in order to let that other person come out.

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

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.