Susan Hampshire Quotations

It is a lonely existence to be a child with a disability which no-one can see or understand, you exasperate your teachers, you disappoint your parents, and worst of all you know that you are not just stupid.

My hobby is gardening, I love it, it's my main hobby. I like being at home and I'm very happy being in my house, I love cooking.

I do a lot of work with the Dyslexia Institute because, for people with dyslexia who do not have parental support, it is a huge disadvantage. I was fortunate because my Mum was a teacher and she taught me to work hard.

We do not get to this age to be written off. Older people can act as a support system, which is what happens more in Mediterranean countries. People become much wiser as they get older and we should value that.

We are keeping healthier and living longer and I am a good example of someone who is in the Age Concern bracket but is still working and keeping active.

Some people can only be happy being a star. What happens if and when the work dries up?

I eat lots of fruit and vegetables and plenty of raw garlic, which is very good for blood pressure and looking after the heart.

Television has been very kind to me, I will never knock any opportunities they give me. I've had some wonderful parts and can never be grateful enough. I've always loved doing theatre, I find it tremendously exciting. I haven't done many films but those I have done, I have loved.

Audiences in London arrive stressed out of their minds because they can't find anywhere to park, they can't find their tickets, whatever. There is a great joy in being out of London because people are in their seats, waiting for you, waiting to watch the show, not rushing in at the last minute. They are there because they want to see the show and they know how to listen.

I'm ashamed to say I've only just learnt to work my mobile! I don't know how to text, use my video, the net, e-mail. I can turn on the TV, the oven and drive a car! I'm living in a bygone era, I'm afraid. I'm missing a lot, I know.

I drink lots of water and lead a healthy lifestyle. No coffee, no smoking, only a little wine and a very good diet.

I don't want to be someone people feel sorry for; I don't want to be a martyr. I think life is amazing and at the end of the day whether I'm the best actress in the world or the worst, on my deathbed it's not going to count. What your input into life is actually what counts so that makes me have a completely different attitude.

I believe people need to be given the confidence to be able to believe in themselves and to be able to work hard for what they want in life. Such skills should be taught free to all but things are still not good enough - such services should be provided in all schools and, at the moment, they are not.

Your bones are for life. Look after them and they will carry you far.