I came first to America in 1977 at the invitation of a man who wanted to make my life story into a musical. But my agent said it was not to be and it was never done. So I went back, but I'd seen New York, and I wanted to live there. Because everybody talks to you in the street. See, nobody talks to you in England.

Flowers are words even a baby can understand.

Of course I lie to people. But I lie altruistically - for our mutual good. The lie is the basic building block of good manners. That may seem mildly shocking to a moralist - but then what isn't?

The Americans, of course, are quite dotty with hospitality.

The court was not previously aware of the prisoner's many accomplishments. In view of these, we see fit to impose the death penalty.

It may be true that artists adopt a flamboyant appearance, but it's also true that people who look funny get stuck with the arts.

I don't really act. I say the words the way I would say them if I meant them.