Quotes from Penelope Wilton

I don't think I've been in a supporting role in any of the plays I've done, ever.

You can't look at people being crucified. Even if you know it is just pretend.

I find talking about acting very boring, having to come out with platitudes about how terribly nice everyone is. I would much rather just do it.

I have spent my whole life educating myself.

I am drawn to characters that go on journeys, characters that are real people, that have life.

I don't tell everyone my life history because if everyone knows your inside-leg measurement, how can you surprise them?

Mostly in life people are trying not to have emotions.

In my life, I've had estates in Russia, houses in Spain, in Norway, in the deep south of America.

I've learnt to listen. I don't think I always did listen. Not just in plays, but in life. And you have to hear what people are saying before you can respond.

I can't understand why people so readily put themselves up to be humiliated.

I've never lost a grown-up child, but I have known loss.

The thing about being an actor is that you turn into other people. You have to hide yourself a bit in order to let that other person come out.

When you play someone who is an iconic figure you can't go into it lightly.

Acting attracts shy people and show-offs.

I love the drive from York to Whitby over the moors - one of the great journeys, in my book.

Some people will never change.

You don't go to a comedy and try to laugh. You laugh in spite of yourself. You don't just come on stage and cry. Something has pushed you to cry.

People in distress behave in a stressful way. They aren't all sweetness and light. They don't behave well when they are unhappy. That's just what I've observed.

The trouble with anyone when they're unhappy or in a relationship they recognize is not working but don't know what to do about is that they can't see farther out than that. If the relationship is not working, if what was there isn't there anymore, you have to do something about it.

It's true, I've become one of those grumpy older women.

I've learnt to listen. I don't think I always did listen.

The trouble with anyone when they're unhappy or in a relationship they recognize is not working but don't know what to do about is that they can't see farther out than that. If the relationship is not working, if what was there isn't there anymore, you have to do something about it.