Penelope Wilton

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

The thing about being an actor is that you turn into other people. You have to hide yourself a bit in order to let that other person come out.

I find talking about acting very boring, having to come out with platitudes about how terribly nice everyone is. I would much rather just do it.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

I have spent my whole life educating myself.

Mostly in life people are trying not to have emotions.