If you're blond, as I am, and you have blond lashes, you have to wear mascara, otherwise you're invisible on stage.

When it comes to politics, I believe you have to cut the cake so that everybody gets a piece, but at the same time, you have to keep in mind that somebody has to make the cake.

I used to get the girl; now I get the part. In 'The Quiet American' you may have noticed I got the part and the girl. It's a milestone for me, because it's the last time I'm going to get the girl.

I'm the audience's representative on earth.

I don't meet stockbrokers or carpenters or coal miners; I spend all day with actors, composers and photographers.

I heard my first laughter on stage, when I was about 10 years old. It was gold pantomime and I remember I was playing Baron Fitznoodle, who was the father of the ugly sisters in "Cinderella." And I walked on and got a great big laugh and I thought that was fantastic, until I looked down and found that my flies were open. And so I always check my flies. I even check my flies on radio.

I don't have to work. I suppose I should retire. But I enjoy working.