Penelope Wilton Quotes

I don't tell everyone my life history because if everyone knows your inside-leg measurement, how can you surprise them?

I’ve learnt to listen. I don’t think I always did listen. Not just in plays, but in life. And you have to hear what people are saying before you can respond.

You can't look at people being crucified. Even if you know it is just pretend.

I've never lost a grown-up child, but I have known loss.

I've had very close relationships with some twentieth-century writers.

The trouble with anyone when they're unhappy or in a relationship they recognize is not working but don't know what to do about is that they can't see farther out than that. If the relationship is not working, if what was there isn't there anymore, you have to do something about it.

In my life, I've had estates in Russia, houses in Spain, in Norway, in the deep south of America.

You need to keep on doing things you have never done before in your career. You have to have a go.

I love the drive from York to Whitby over the moors - one of the great journeys, in my book.

I have spent my whole life educating myself.

You don't go to a comedy and try to laugh. You laugh in spite of yourself. You don't just come on stage and cry. Something has pushed you to cry.

Some people will never change.

People in distress behave in a stressful way. They aren't all sweetness and light. They don't behave well when they are unhappy. That's just what I've observed.

Acting attracts shy people and show-offs.

I've learnt to listen. I don't think I always did listen.

Mostly in life people are trying not to have emotions.

It's true, I've become one of those grumpy older women.

When you play someone who is an iconic figure you can't go into it lightly.

I am drawn to characters that go on journeys, characters that are real people, that have life.