I hate to say that my mother was 'just a housewife', because in addition to that she has had lots of part-time secretarial jobs in factories and hospitals, always working really hard for our family.

I love strong women in films that are allowed to play women and not male fantasies.

At my school, Shakespeare wasn't on the syllabus - at least not for me.

My dad is such a good man, hard-working.

I'm not temperamentally into high comedy. I'm not a Noel Coward kind of girl.

I need someone who understands an artist's mentality. I couldn't be with someone who wouldn't let me have my freedom.

When I was younger, I used to write to directors when I was unsure I could play a role. I'd say: 'You've made a terrible mistake.'