Meryl Streep

"The craft is what really matters."

"I'm interested in people and what they do and how they do it."

"You have to have chutzpah to show your age."

"I love being a writer and director."

"I think that's what really distinguishes a great actor from a good one."

"I don't believe in regrets."

"You can't manipulate a good character into being interesting."

"I'm a feminist and I'm interested in women."

"The thing about being an actor is that you have to commit to it emotionally."

"I'm interested in the emotional truth of a character."

"You have to understand what people want and need."

"I think all art is about manipulation of truth."

"The best thing is to work hard and do your best."

"I'm not a method actor, but I'm an honest actor."

"You have to be comfortable in your own skin."

"I think the future is going to be exciting."

"What's wonderful about acting is that it's about lying and pretending."

"I'm not interested in being famous; I'm interested in doing good work."

"The world breaks everyone, and some get stronger at the broken places."

"I think women are wonderful and I love exploring their complexity."

"You can't be a great actor unless you can be sensitive to people."

"The essence of acting is truth."

"I've always believed that the work speaks for itself."

"You have to make a choice to succeed at something."

"I think beauty comes from within."

"The greatest gift you can give someone is your time and attention."

"I'm very interested in the world around me."

"There is nothing better than going to a movie and being transported."

"I don't like to think about myself; I like to think about characters."

"You have to take risks to get anywhere."