Flesh sells. People don`t want to see pictures of churches. They want to see naked bodies

I get half-drowned, jump across an abyss and fly. I loved every minute of it. Getting attached to wires and flying was the most glorious feeling. It`s a lot easier than acting! [on her role in National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007) playing Nicolas Cage`s mother.] (People Magazine - 19 November 2007)

[Part of her BAFTA acceptance speech, BAFTA Film Awards, 2007] - "This is great. What an honour, especially to be nominated - just to be nominated - amongst those incredible powerhouse performances this year from women. - I applaud them. I think they were absolutely fantastic. Write more roles for us like that please."

[On Ian Richardson, BAFTA Film Awards, 2007] - "Many years ago, when I started off as an actress, I had the immense good fortune to work with an actor that was so generous at sharing his craft - He became a mentor to me, he helped me believe in myself. Ian Richardson, I`m not too sure I would be here today if it wasn`t for you."

There`s nothing sexy about doing a nude scene. It`s rather uncomfortable. I like dressing up rather than dressing down.

On not having children: No. Absolutely not. Absolutely not. I am so happy that I didn`t have children. Well, you know because I`ve had freedom.

"Being me right now is sort of amazing." - 2006.

On becoming Dame Helen Mirren in 2003, "In England, it`s a big deal. I do feel it`s a great honor. But I had to think about it quite seriously for a couple of weeks. It does sort of squash you into the establishment thing. In the end, my baser feelings got the better of me. I succumbed to pride."

All you have to do is to look like crap on film and everyone thinks you`re a brilliant actress. Actually, all you`ve done is look like crap.

Actors are rogues and vagabonds. Or they ought to be. I can`t stand it when they behave like solicitors from Penge." "I`m a would-be rebel. The good girl who`d like to be a bad one.

[About the Academy Awards] "It`s the creme-de-la-creme of bulls**t."

The trick in life is learning how to deal with it.

The actress describes herself as "being famous for being cool about not being gorgeous."