Imelda Staunton : (6)

" Having a child makes you strong and gives you chutzpah. It relaxed my attitude to the job; my center of focus shifted, which I think is very helpful, because even if you’re not a very indulgent actor you spend a lot of time thinking about yourself. I don’t think that is particularly healthy. " - Imelda Staunton

" Looking back, there is nothing wrong with that peace, love and equality that the hippies espoused. In many ways, we have regressed because they were into organic food, back to nature, make love not war, be good to all men, share and share alike – which is what many are talking about now. " - Imelda Staunton

" At the time of Woodstock, I was just 13, but I used to see these exotic hippy creatures and I did look on with envy. How could you not? In an ideal world, I would have loved to have been a hippy – but I might have been a bit strait-laced. It was my fantasy. " - Imelda Staunton

" I think the first 10 years of my daughter’s life were my mother’s happiest, because she could finally have carefree time with a kid. " - Imelda Staunton

" To me, it’s really not about how I look – it’s about who I can be. It is my job to bring the character to life and my duty to fit into the jigsaw in that story. " - Imelda Staunton

" I worked in rep for six years, then I came to London and to the National Theatre. What’s better than that? " - Imelda Staunton