I believe such illumination comes if you're open to the surprises the universe throws at you. You must be able to let go of the past, whatever success you may have seen, whatever your comfort, whatever your habits. To me, that's the key to loving life: Enabling yourself to step bravely into the unknown. Only there will you find yourself again.

My aim was never to be an American star; otherwise, I would have moved to Los Angeles.

It's challenging as an actor to let go but I had some pleasure out of it too. To not have the effort of having to present myself is quite liberating.

But I've never felt that being an actress is being in a comfortable place. It's seen from the outside that we're being driven in big cars and having these gorgeous suites and all of that. But come on, it's not about that.

I wanted to work with people from the world, with different minds and different visions.

I would have loved to have met Marilyn Monroe and have dinner with her.

Acting is like peeling an onion. You have to peel away each layer to reveal another.