Quotes from Rita Tushingham

In the 50s and early 60s, community was incredibly important to people.

I don't know if I'm a gay icon or not, but with 'A Taste of Honey,' the audience were so touched by the whole story that it certainly helped matters. The characters were so sympathetic that it was as if you had met them.

I find New York very frightening, I must say.

I dislike snobby people, routine housework and getting up early in the morning, and central heating.

I believe in the lessons of life. Some things are mapped out for us. By that I don't mean that you wait for things to happen, but it's interesting the way our lives are like a jigsaw where sometimes the pieces don't fit - and other times they do.

Believe me, I can be tough, physically and mentally.

One day, I read in the newspaper they were looking for an unknown for the film of 'A Taste of Honey.' They auditioned over 2,000 girls for the part of Jo - not as many as they did for 'Annie,' at any rate.

I was only 18 when I made 'A Taste Of Honey' in the city of Salford, where writer, Shelagh Delaney set it. She was about 19 when she wrote the play based on her experiences of life and what she observed in her community.

I thought the 60s in London was normal, so when it stopped it was a shock.

I simply don't know how to act as if I am drunk.

Some people think that I must be ancient because I've been in the business for so long, others still think of me as a waif and assume that I'm too young for certain roles. Starting out at such an early age seems to have worked against me.

I have never been drunk in my life, and I don't expect I ever will be.

I don't tend to get lonely as there are so many things to do.

It's all luck in this business, and it's not a kind business at times.