Judi Dench

“We have to be so careful with our planet, and it's our only one.”

“The theatre is a spiritual place, a sacred space. One of the last places where we can all be together.”

“You can do a lot in a lifetime, if you don't burn out too fast.”

“The wonderful thing about the theater is that it's always a new experience.”

“The minute you feel you have given a faultless performance is the time to give up.”

“I've always been a bit of a rebel. It's a Yorkshire trait. We're a bit bloody-minded.”

“I am not a national treasure. I am a jobbing actress. It's what I do.”

“Retirement is a rude word. I'm just not going to do it.”

“I need to be challenged, and I need to be with people that I respect.”

“It's a terrifying thing to be a parent.”

“I have a terrible memory. I'm not being coy, I really have a terrible memory.”

“I have a passion for Shakespeare. I've always had it.”

“I think you should take your job seriously, but not yourself - that is the best combination.”

“I don't want to be told I'm too old to try something. I want to try it, and if I don't like it, I'll move on.”

“I don't really want to play parts that are just sweet. I like a little bit of vinegar.”

“For me, it's about the company. It's about the people you're working with.”

“I think you should find something you love and just do it. That's what I do. And if you don't love it, you have to stop.”

“The only real failure is the failure to try.”

“I've never been a beauty. I'm just a character actress.”

“I wish I was a bit taller. I'd love to be a tall, elegant creature.”