My parents never pressured me except to advise me against acting.

Older men are wiser and that is much cooler to me. Ive never been one for going out clubbing or getting off my head, so I always gravitated to men who were similar. They just tended to be older. I think you have more of an adventure with an older man. And a happier journey.

I suppose my life has always been about pleasing people, making sure theyre all right, doing the right thing. Then, suddenly, you have to face up to what you want and be honest about it.

It was certainly a good death scene. I'm endlessly perishing in roles but it's a wonderful thing to be asked to do.

I've always been brought up to stand on my own two feet and not rely too heavily on everyone else around me.

I never feel lonely if I've got a book - they're like old friends. Even if you're not reading them over and over again, you know they are there. And they're part of your history. They sort of tell a story about your journey through life.

I am a single mother - that is the reality.