Quotes from Francesca Annis

I've always kept fit but I've been doing gym and yoga and will be throwing my stilettoes away for a while!

I have always done exercise because I was a dancer, and it is probably good for you. I have done yoga consistently.

I go on giving interviews because I've been brought up to support the projects I'm involved in. When you've enjoyed working on a production, you want to do them a favour.

You can love more than one person in your life, but things will be different. There'll be a different dynamic. Needs and desires change.

I've never been too afraid of what other people have said, especially when I was younger, but I suppose that was the arrogance of youth.

I'm one of the great unemployed looking for the next job. I'm waiting for the right offer. Like anyone, I want something that turns me on inside.

Some actors get fired up by the sound of the audience. I just want to retreat.

I was seen dancing at school by a director, who asked me to be in a TV play. And it had a huge impact. So I think that's what really started me off.

In films people basically work for the camera, you know, and that's why actors can hate each other and not be speaking to each other and still look as if they're in love because really they're loving the camera loving them.

Thank God we're not like America. Everyone wants to look like they're 20. In Europe we admire grown-up women; I think men revere older women.

I think you live a fuller life with someone else, you know, you're firing on all cylinders. It can be a nightmare at times, we all know that, but nevertheless in the end I think to have someone else's input on anything - a book, a meal, your children, life, a walk - is fantastic.

I can easily sleep from nine to 13 hours a night.

Too often, older women are seen as victims, but I know lots of formidable women who have marvellous jobs as well as a full erotic life, and children and friends and family.

I have made a public statement about me and Ralph by being seen with him. I don't need to make any other. You can live the way you want.

I'm often asked if I regret not going to Hollywood. I'm glad I didn't go, because if I had I wouldn't have my extended family, which is the fabric of my life. Only recently have I realised how special and unusual it is.

Everything is about class in England, whether it's upper, lower or middle. Why should that be?

I maintain the rather old-fashioned view that this is my work and it's in the public arena, but that doesn't entitle everyone to know what happened at home before coming here.

In Europe, we admire grown-up women; I think men revere older women.

Exposure makes you famous, not just good work. Famous is being plastered everywhere.

Judi Dench and Ian McKellen taught me how to work hard and respect the theatre.

After all my various relationships I find myself now home alone.

When I was starting out, young actresses had the studio system to protect them. Now you have a host of sharks, from your agent to your publicist to your lawyer.

I'm an actress, not a pinup.

I didn't choose to be an actress.