Eileen Atkins

It's extraordinary to hear waves of laughter after you've been playing something, night after night, to nothing. That's why I'm still hooked on acting: the terror of the possibility of things going wrong, the thrill when they go right, and the joy of the company.

I have never been able to bear people who are obsessed with beauty.

I believe I was put on this planet to act, and it's given me huge fulfilment. I feel I've realised my destiny, and I've had a very, very good time doing it.

Acting is not in the blood. My parents weren't actors, but I imagine that if you've been brought up with actors, you have a lovely time at home and just want that to carry on.