I believe I was put on this planet to act, and it’s given me huge fulfilment. I feel I’ve realised my destiny, and I’ve had a very, very good time doing it. Eileen Atkins Read Quote
One of the things I love about Helena Bonham Carter is that she is ravishing, but she does as much as she can to play it down and look funny. She doesn’t let her looks get in the way. I hugely respect that. Eileen Atkins Read Quote
My looks were good enough for what I needed in every possible way but not so much to be a burden. Eileen Atkins Read Quote
It’s extraordinary to hear waves of laughter after you’ve been playing something, night after night, to nothing. That’s why I’m still hooked on acting: the terror of the possibility of things going wrong, the thrill when they go right, and the joy of the company. Eileen Atkins Read Quote
I don’t believe in remaking television series. I should never have agreed to reviving ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ because my heart wasn’t in it, but part of me did think about my pension. Eileen Atkins Read Quote
Acting is not in the blood. My parents weren’t actors, but I imagine that if you’ve been brought up with actors, you have a lovely time at home and just want that to carry on. Eileen Atkins Read Quote
I imagine I’ll retire mid-performance. I’ll say, ‘Sorry, everyone, I can’t do this anymore. I must have suddenly aged.’ Then I’ll walk off. Yes, I’m sure that’s how. Eileen Atkins Read Quote
