It's very difficult to liberate yourself from what you've learned. You know it's almost impossible because you learn in order to survive.

I don't have a vast longing for the stage.

I don't know why they gave me a knighthood - though it's very nice of them - but I only ever use the title in the U.S. The Americans insist on it and get offended if I don't.

I've reached a happy stage in my life - you can call it "happy" - but I have no expectations anymore. I'm glad I'm not young anymore.

I know that the arts are important. I'm not denying that, but I can't associate myself with all the claptrap that goes on around it.

My philosophy is: It's none of my business what people say of me and think of me. I am what I am, and I do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. And it makes life so much easier.

I don't waste time being soft. I'm not cold, but I don't like being, wasting my time with-life's too short.