"I've never entertained the idea of retiring because I've never regarded myself as having a proper jo..." — June Brown

My sister happened to look at The Times, and there was advertised the Old Vic theatre school. I wrote, I suppose, and got an audition. They said I was in, so I burst into tears, because in those days I cried when I was happy and I cried when I was sad.

The elderly in Britain aren't really given enough respect.

I never wanted to be an actress. I wanted to go into the medical professional. Acting was not important enough. That was a hobby - nothing to do with what you did in life.

It's a dreadful thing to be strapped for cash when you are elderly. It's awful when you're young, too, but you always have hope.