Penelope Wilton quotes:

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

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

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

Mostly in life people are trying not to have emotions.

Some people will never change.

I don't really care any longer what other people think.

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.

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

Acting attracts shy people and show-offs.

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

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

I've had very close relationships with some twentieth-century writers.

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

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

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

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

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.

I have spent my whole life educating myself.

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

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.

You need to keep on doing things you have never done before in your career. You have to have a go.