Quotes from Sofia Helin

I'm almost completely ruled by my emotions.

When you grow up around sadness, it affects the way you see the world.

I like going for walks in the western harbour, a newly-built area of Malmo where the old harbour used to be. It is surrounded by canals and waterways and the architecture is modern and innovative - the landmark Turning Torso skyscraper, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is the star of the show.

In fact I spent a lot of time in my childhood trying to figure out what other people wanted of me. That made me study other people very much. Then I actually started university and I got quite bored. This is when I found out I wanted to be an actor.

My parents taught me broad Christian values. To be kind to one another, to be honest, not to just think about yourself.

I talked to a brain specialist who told me when you think like someone else for such a long time, your brain actually changes.

In the 70s Sweden was innocent, but we've lost that. Society has become less idealistic and everything is about how much money you have in your wallet.

In Sweden, you're not supposed to think you are someone.

My husband and I have been married for 15 years. He is a priest in the Church of Sweden. I have a faith, but it's not so formal. We made our peace with that.

Then I had lunch with my cousin who works for WaterAid and she said yes, it's a catastrophe. And another catastrophe is that every day 1,400 children die from poisoned water, so now I'm an ambassador for WaterAid.

And then my husband works every second weekend, sermons on Sunday, baptising on Saturdays, weddings.

I arrange it by working four days away from home, and three days at home with the family, so I work four long days rather than five shorter. But it's hard because everything is on hold. We have to restore the family life during the weekends.

Some of the roles I play are very demanding. My body and brain can't separate what is real fear from what is played fear.

When you are young you can be a bit nonchalant - it's cool to be depressed, and maybe a bit dark.

I was on a bridge going down; the bicycle broke and I smashed to the ground, face first. I broke my jaw and my teeth, and had to have plastic surgery.

Acting, when you don't want to do it or you disagree with everything, is almost like having sex with someone you don't like. I had one experience like that on stage, in a terrible version of The Cherry Orchard. I put on a wig, dark-coloured contacts and just hoped no one would recognise me.

I spend most money on my garden.

I try to shop online. All my food, Christmas gifts, everything.

It's almost as if the Swedes have two different personalities: one for winter and one for summer. I am both a happy and a melancholic person. It's complex as I get so much from life.

I had a talk with my older son a couple of days ago. I explained to him that I went to a therapist and I found out that I wanted two things very much: I wanted children and I wanted acting. My therapist said to combine this will be very hard. And being a parent is the hardest thing I've ever done.

To wear brown and grey things every day, the same clothes, for months, it's quite boring after a while.

I am not a calm, happy person. I am complicated.

When you make a change, it hurts a bit.

I just figured, 'I don't want to go to university anymore,' so I went to Stockholm. I went into this teaching school and after one year I got a part in a soap opera in Stockholm. It's called 'Rederiet.'