Biografia

Voted Britain's all-time favourite television actress.

She was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2004 Queen's Birthday Honours List for her services to Drama.

Named as the Personality of the Year by the Variety Club of Great Britain.

She credited the late Catholic priest Father Edmund Colledge for her entry into the performing arts, according to the Times of London in the late Father's obituary.

She was awarded an honorary degree (Doctor of Letters) from her alma mater, the University of Liverpool in Liverpool, Merseyside, England (1999).

[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.