Zoe Wanamaker

I'm constantly intimidated by Shakespeare's work. Trying to decipher what he's saying and holding on to that thought - not just as an actor, but as a human being - is a rigour.

I don't have the confidence to be a personality.

I don't have any regrets about not having had children. What's the point? It's just something else to beat yourself up over.

I don't want to be a director, or to have responsibility for hundreds of people.

My mother was adorable, a great giggler. My father was very strong and could be quite frightening.

My father's death from prostate cancer in 1993 was tragic. He never complained about pain. He was a fighter. By the time he was ready to die he wasn't able to die in the way that he wanted to, which seemed an outrage to me.

I have lots of passions - gardens, art, music and reading. I have eclectic taste and read a huge variety of books.

I absolutely hate clothes shopping, though I love clothes. It's my idea of heaven to be handed things to wear.

Shakespeare's taught me that there are more words in the English language than I have got in my head.

Shakespeare showed me that once I understand the rules, I can break them.

'As You Like It' was the first Shakespeare production I ever did.