No one has taken my heart in their hand. I haven't given it... I have lent myself, rented myself out, but never given myself.

My mother was Protestant, and in her mind life was more about work and obligations and responsibilities.

I'm very glad to have something to be passionate about. I can't imagine a life without passion.

The film was made in 1973. It was a golden time for people to experiment without risking, for example, AIDS. Today one has to be so much more careful and I don't think a character like that could exist now.

I still have agents in France, Los Angeles and Amsterdam who call and suggest parts. I'd love to keep on doing both painting and acting until the end of my days.

Of course it's difficult to top a box office success like Emmanuelle, so it will always be my most important work. But that's nothing to be ashamed of.

You're much better off as a love goddess to die around the age of 40.