Quotes from Miriam Margolyes

I've always felt that Donald Trump was a Dickensian character because he is so ridiculous. With his hair and his arrogance, he is certainly Dickensian in his absurdity.

It's very hard to talk about Palestine to Jewish people - they see me as a betrayer.

Being in Australia makes me happy. My partner is Australian, and my home is in Australia, and it's ridiculous not to be Australian - it's a logical step to take.

My vocabulary is vast and expert, and I don't think I overuse any word.

The American actor is much more used to being physically relaxed and using their bodies better, and English actors are a little bit unrelaxed, but they're better at vocal technique.

I enjoy finding the right word and giving each its full measure, its full space in a sentence.

Where I think the American actor is slightly at a disadvantage is in vocal technique. I don't think that words are their friend in the same way that English actors are used to using words: understanding about consonance and how to shade a vowel to show emotional color.

I think Britain is a bit class-ridden. People tend to be judged by how rounded their vowels are.

I wouldn't consider retiring to India: there are too many people, and it's difficult walking along the pavements. I'd love to spend two or three months a year there.

I don't think people realise how important it is to have your blood pressure checked. Stroke is so sudden, so catastrophic.

I believe Jews are compassionate people because of what we've suffered. We must not put that suffering onto others.

It's shameful to admit, but it's been a bit of a lifelong affair, and I do now feel I'm as good as it gets. I'm honourable, kind, friendly, warm, intelligent, generous, and I've got a good sense of humour.

I support children's charities; I just don't want them around me. It's not very admirable, but it's the truth.

I don't care what I look like. I must be comfortable. Some of my friends have plastic surgery and Botox, but I'm not interested in it.

I do say things possibly other people don't say. So I shouldn't be too surprised when they are picked up.

I used to get into bed with my mother every morning, almost until she died, and talk about everything. She was my closest confidante always. I had no secrets from her.

I don't have a very positive attitude towards rappers.

I'd have thought my particular brand of quirkiness, combined with sharp intelligence and a fine voice, would have yielded more. But it hasn't. Yet!

I'm not a comedian, but I do make people laugh. I'm good at it.

I think life is sweeter shared; and if anything were to happen to my partner, I would find it really hard without her because she's the perfect person for my life.

Communication is something we all take for granted.

Sydney has taken my money, Melbourne has my respect, but Adelaide has taken my heart; I shall return.

I'm not sure I approve of theatre as a university course. I think theatre's something you do. I mean, literature is a subject; theatre is practical.

I love political cartoons from the 19th century, and whenever I complete a piece of acting work that I'm particularly proud of, be it a film or play, I treat myself to a picture by caricaturist James Gillray.