Glenda Jackson

When I was feeding myself by being a professional actress, I never got a good notice in the 'Evening Standard.' And when I changed direction and became a Labour MP, I was the wrong political party for the 'Evening Standard.' ”

I told them I wouldn't sign a blank cheque. ”

I've always been ambitious to be very good at what I do. ”

I used to believe that anything was better than nothing. Now I know that sometimes nothing is better. ”

I look forward to growing old and wise and audacious. ”

I studiously avoid any academic dissections of the play and any kind of previous experience of playing. For me, it's all in the play. ”

When I have to cry, I think about my love life. When I have to laugh, I think about my love life. ”

I've always said the first duty of life is to live it, and I do believe that. And we delude ourselves if we think it's not going to end. How we individually meet that, I think, is entirely individual. ”

I turn my feet in when I'm sitting down. I tend to put my arms across me when I'm sat thinking; I bend forwards. Loads of protective curves. ”

My life was transformed by the Labour government of 1945. It was transformative for millions of people like me, you know - education, the health service. It was proof that politics can make life better for people; that a social dream can become a social reality by the power of government. ”