Aisling Bea

Success is never going to come in the way your teenage self sees it. ”

When I was growing up, I idolised my father. I thought his ghost followed me around the house. I had been told how he adored me, how I was funny, just like him. Because of our lovely Catholic upbringing, I secretly assumed that he would eventually come back, like our good friend Jesus. ”

There aren't as many women in my industry in comedy as there should and could and hopefully will be, but it is interesting growing up watching a woman in a male-dominated industry and kind of, like, plowing ahead. ”

I trained in London as a classical actor, but you've no idea what way your career will go. ”

There was a stage in my career, especially with standup, where I felt, because I didn't know why I was doing well, that anyone who would tell me anything; I was sort of like, 'What did they say? Yeah, I'll take that advice.' Now I'm a bit more careful who I choose to listen to. ”

You can use your womb if you want - it's the most beautiful thing to do if you want - but it's not our only reason to be put on this earth. ”

I've always hated exercise, but because I've had problems with my back, I now do Pilates, and I walk a lot. ”

Don't be afraid to look silly. You are only holding yourself back if you are afraid of looking silly or failing. ”

If I told my 16-year-old self that, at 34, I'd have no kids and not be in a movie in America, I wouldn't think I was still successful. ”

Some people admire the aspirational rock star figures whose biopics make it to TV, the people they watched as kids and made them want to play football for England. For some comics, it is often the Doug Stanhopes and the Joan Rivers. ”