Natasha Little

Getting older doesn't bother me. When I was 30, I thought I should have achieved more, but you get more comfortable and think it's time to stop putting pressure on yourself.

My family weren't actors, and we didn't know any actors. It wasn't even something I was aware you could do as a job. I thought you had to be a Redgrave or a Barrymore before you were allowed to go to drama school.

I know some people are really comfortable with talking about their feelings and hopes and fears in public, but I'm not, and I don't think it's that extraordinary.

Being an actor does make you aware of your age.

It might be quite boring if you did something and thought it was perfect.

I love rehearsing; it's the best part of the job.

I love acting. It's what I do, not what I am.

I know it sounds ridiculous, but I haven't quite got over the miracle that you plant things, and they do sprout up.

I wouldn't feel comfortable talking to someone I didn't know very well and, beyond that person, a readership of X millions, about things I think are private.

I'm guilty of it myself, sort of thinking, 'Classic novels: snoozeville.' But there is a huge amount of wonderful material.

Having my own family has made me realise there's more to life than chasing the next job.

I love my work, and I feel fortunate to be doing a job I love, but it isn't the centre of my life.