On acting: "I was fully alive and it frightened me. I was in a tremendous turmoil about it." "There is nothing like that audience response when it's working with you - nothing." "I don't think you can go it alone. There is a positive force for good outside oneself, call it God if you like, that has the strength to turn darkness into light." "When I approach the pearly gates, I'd like to hear a champagne cork popping, an orchestra tuning up, and the sound of my mother laughing." "I just want to do good work with good people in good places. And as for retirement, I can hardly spell the word. I'm driven, really. The demons won't lie down." "People have always pitied spinsters. We have been derided, as if we had missed out on life. Well, we need not miss out on anything today!"