Joanne Whalley quotes:

The only way to improve is to set yourself harder goals.

That's what acting is about - for me, at least - tackling different personas and characters.

I like the encouragement I get from doing new things. I like to feel scared or challenged in the hope that I can pull it off. That little bit of fear creates an energy that I can channel into the performance.

Kids have been a great clarifier - incredibly rewarding.

I don't remember sitting down and saying, 'This is why I want to be - an actress.' I just knew. It was never a conscious decision or a revelation.

Most actors try to do as many different things as possible. I like the encouragement I get from doing new things. I like to feel scared or challenged in the hope that I can pull it off. That little bit of fear creates an energy that I can channel into the performance. And you have to keep tapping new parts of yourself, keep working or you never improve. The only way to improve is to set yourself harder goals.

I don't remember sitting down and saying, 'This is why I want to be--an actress.' I just knew. It was never a conscious decision or a revelation.