As a mother, you feel much more vulnerable. And when you're vulnerable, you're a much better actress.

I was a very difficult child, and the time I spent reading was about the only peace I gave my mother.

I grew up as an only child and my mother was also an only child, so we were both very passionate about reading. I think I passed that on to my daughter, who went plowing through 'Harry Potter' and every other book possible!

I feel like I flunked at adolescence really badly. I found it really difficult.

Given that I can't sing like Freddie Mercury, obviously I'm not going to pursue it as a career. What would be the point?

It's wonderful to have the most important thing in the world there first thing in the morning. And especially in this business, where the opportunity to think everything is about you is there every day, now I really know that it isn't all about me.