I don't think I'm an unkind person, I don't think my books are unkind, and I don't think my readers are unkind.

A lot of actors find it impossible not to ask for the audience's sympathy. They have a need to twinkle.

I have derived enormous confidence from being a husband and father.

Success means your thoughts are worthy of everyones consideration.

If you are lucky, you have your moment. But it is never more than a moment. You have to enjoy it while it lasts.

What's difficult for American audiences is that they're used to a system here where you can get an actor for five years or even seven, and that is signed for at the audition. Whereas in England, no agent will give you an actor for more than three years.

If there's one thing I don't look for in a maid, it's discretion. Except with my own secrets, of course.