I'd hardly seen any movies when I was 19 and left drama school.

Next quotes

• Eileen Atkins:

  It's no use ignoring looks or charm if you're going into the theatre.

• Eileen Atkins:

  The idea of an actor is that you should be able to play anything.

• Eileen Atkins:

  I imagine I'll retire mid-performance. I'll say, 'Sorry, everyone, I can't do this anymore. I must

• Eileen Atkins:

  Acting is not in the blood. My parents weren't actors, but I imagine that if you've been brought up

• Eileen Atkins:

  People assume I'm posh because I'm one of the acting dames. I grew up in Tottenham and didn't used

• Eileen Atkins:

  I don't believe in remaking television series. I should never have agreed to reviving 'Upstairs Dow

• Eileen Atkins:

  It's extraordinary to hear waves of laughter after you've been playing something, night after night

• Eileen Atkins:

  Losing friends is the worst thing about getting older.

• Eileen Atkins:

  My looks were good enough for what I needed in every possible way but not so much to be a burden.

• Eileen Atkins:

  I have never been able to bear people who are obsessed with beauty.