Instead of changing my name, I would change Piper Laurie. That was the beginning.

I dropped the script in the fireplace, called my agent and said, they can jail me, sue me, but I'm never acting again, unless I can do something worthwhile.

I was so flattered to be asked to be in the movies - the idea of being paid to act was heady stuff.

Believe me, when an actress is told that her very name is synonymous with bad acting, she's had it.

I dropped the script in the fireplace, called my agent and said, they can jail me, sue me, but I'm never acting again, unless I can do something worthwhile.

As far back as I can remember, I've had only one real ambition: to be an actress.