It's a damn shame we have this immediate ticking off in the mind about how people sound. On the other hand, how many people really want to be operated upon by a surgeon who talks broad cockney? Eileen Atkins More Quotes by Eileen Atkins More Quotes From Eileen Atkins The idea of an actor is that you should be able to play anything. Eileen Atkins actor anything you play 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 everyone walk say sorry 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 parents you home time People assume I'm posh because I'm one of the acting dames. I grew up in Tottenham and didn't used to speak like I do now. Eileen Atkins like acting speak people 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 think me heart believe 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 you laughter joy night My looks were good enough for what I needed in every possible way but not so much to be a burden. Eileen Atkins good enough looks way I have never been able to bear people who are obsessed with beauty. Eileen Atkins never who beauty people 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 look respect love funny