Imelda Staunton
Imelda Staunton
Imelda Mary Philomena Bernadette Staunton, CBE is an English stage and screen actress. After training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Staunton began her career in repertory theatre in the 1970s before appearing in seasons at various theatres in the UK...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionMovie Actress
Date of Birth9 January 1956
CityLondon, England
character interesting roles
You could say I'm a character actress. Or maybe a character actress who does peculiar, interesting lead roles. Does that make sense?
strong jobs children
Having a child makes you strong and gives you chutzpah. It relaxed my attitude to the job; my center of focus shifted, which I think is very helpful, because even if you're not a very indulgent actor you spend a lot of time thinking about yourself. I don't think that is particularly healthy.
mother thinking space
Her death has had a huge effect on me. It felt like a big hole appeared on my left side - apparently your left side is your mother - which I thought could never be filled. Now I think what you have to do is fill it with yourself because your mother is part of you. I'm easing into that space, using it and being comforted by it.
way scripts potters
The one good thing is that I get a lot more good scripts coming through my letterbox. 'Vera Drake' raised my profile in one way, and then 'Harry Potter' in another.
unique thinking imagination
We're all unique as actors. To yourself, you are unique, you have to think 'I'm me, I'm not going to bunch myself with other people.' Agents and producers have to get you into a box, to accommodate their limited imaginations.
sadness light important
A lot of me is very up, and you have to have light and shade. They are both important and you have to be able to balance them. You have to admit that sadness is part of you and that it enriches you. I use it in my work.
enough good-enough ifs
You can only do your best. That's all you can do. And if it isn't good enough, it isn't good enough.
catholic guilt pleasure
I was brought up a Catholic, so I take no pleasure in guilt.
bullying children brave
Children should always be brave and do something about bullying. Its not okay to stand by and let it happen. Bullies thrive off secrecy. Children should tell someone if they see someone being bullied.
positive inspiring attitude
Chaotic people often have chaotic lives, and I think they create that. But if you try and have an inner peace and a positive attitude, I think you attract that.
everyday high love north smarter whistles
For everyday clothes, I love North Face and Rohan, and for smarter options, I like Whistles and Agnes b on Marylebone High Street.
household introduced school
Drama school introduced me to a world I had no idea about. I wasn't brought up in a literary household at all.
both parents type
Both my parents had heart problems: my mother had type 2 diabetes, and my father had a stroke.
A lot of film stars are just playing themselves in different frocks.