I don't have any regrets about not having had children. What's the point? It's just something else to beat yourself up over.

I'm constantly intimidated by Shakespeare's work. Trying to decipher what he's saying and holding on to that thought - not just as an actor, but as a human being - is a rigour.

If you're having fun being yourself and filming something that you would watch yourself, it becomes contagious for other people to watch, too.

My father's death from prostate cancer in 1993 was tragic. He never complained about pain. He was a fighter. By the time he was ready to die he wasn't able to die in the way that he wanted to, which seemed an outrage to me.

I absolutely hate clothes shopping, though I love clothes. It's my idea of heaven to be handed things to wear.

I have lots of passions - gardens, art, music and reading. I have eclectic taste and read a huge variety of books.