I always admire people who have passion.

People have preconceptions about women of a certain age.

Coming eyeball to eyeball with a hummingbird on my terrace is as exciting to me as any celebrity Ive met as a result of Downton Abbey.

I can do basics, but I'm not a proper cook. I can do a roast. I can stick a chicken in the oven with vegetables.

The first meal my husband ever made me was a chicken curry. I have never tasted anything so delicious in my life.

I get invited to a lot more glamorous parties since Ive been in Downton Abbey, which has made me much more fashion conscious.

I did an O-level in domestic science when I was at school, but on the day of the practical exam, it was a cookery nightmare.

Ive been to the White House and had Hilary Clinton push through the crowd to come and meet me. Chelsea Clinton, too.

I believe anything can happen.

As an actor, you never know where the works going to come, so you have to be flexible about it.

Ive not cooked Christmas dinner since 1982.

Science explained people, but could not understand them.

A tree growing out of the ground is as wonderful today as it ever was. It does not need to adopt new and startling methods.

Actors are always looking for ways to build a character.

If you wait too long in Vegas, you end up with a chicken finger in your underwear.

memory is so selective; wishful thinking presses it into service all the time.

Our military doesn't defend our American people. Our military is the strong-arm muscle of corporations.

You are not defined by your past. You are prepared by your past.

I told (God) I'd take every opportunity to speak for the kids who can't speak.

Fred Astaire was a more formal, trained dancer who loved waltzing and only danced with the girls.

The fastest way to attain courage is to follow the chosen Way and be willing to abandon life itself for the sake of justice.