Sophie Okonedo quotes:

I'm drawn to stories about ordinary people who get tangled up in an extraordinary event or idea or emotion. I'm not saying I don't love films about super-people or super-doctors, but my preference is for stories about how we get through this life, what it is to be human, because I'm always struggling with it myself.

As a child, I certainly wanted to have hair that I could grow long and flip around. I no longer want that. My own hair that I have day to day is a fuzzy afro. And that's who I am.

My life is not nuts. I hardly ever watch television, I don't go out very much, so I don't really know what's going on.

The photo shoot I always feel a bit embarrassed about because I don't really know what to do with myself, but they usually don't use a bad photo, so you can't worry too much. So my main concern is that I just look a bit more like myself.

I do love being an actress. The other stuff, the fame, well - you know what? - you dont actually have to buy into it if you dont want to.

I feel as proud to be Jewish as I feel to be black

Im drawn to stories about ordinary people who get tangled up in an extraordinary event or idea or emotion. Im not saying I dont love films about super-people or super-doctors, but my preference is for stories about how we get through this life, what it is to be human, because Im always struggling with it myself.

When I take on a role, all I tend to do is get to know the script and ask millions of questions, and keep fine tuning what I think the character is trying to say.

I always try to think of positive things to say about the people I portray, as it's more helpful for me.

As a black actress, all I was offered in British film was the best friend role, whereas in TV I was offered a whole spectrum of parts.

I dont like going for more than a year without doing theater. I dont mind falling flat on my face so long as I feel Im open to the possibility of something extraordinary happening.

I never watch anything I do. I really would rather just not know at all how I come across.

My main form of exercise is my bike. I dont have a car, so I cycle everywhere.