Born in London, Vanessa Redgrave, 81, made her professional stage debut in A Touch Of The Sun. She went on to win an Olivier in 1984 for her role in The Aspern Papers, and a Tony in 2003 for Long Day’s Journey Into Night. In 1978 she won an Oscar for Julia. She appeared in the film Atonement (2007) and since 2012 has narrated Call The Midwife. From 21 September she reprises her role in The Inheritance, at London’s Noël Coward Theatre.
When were you happiest?
Is all happiness in the past? Well, the births of three children. And playing with children and grandchildren.
What is your greatest fear?
Heights over 5,000 feet.
What is your earliest memory?
Lying on my back in my pram looking at tree branches and the sky.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I get impatient with what I regard as thoughtless stupidity, which is equally stupid.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Thoughtless chit-chat.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
I can’t remember being embarrassed.
What is your most treasured possession?
I lose every treasured possession. Today, probably Christmas or birthday or good luck notes and cards.
What makes you unhappy?
The cruelty and ignorance of most politicians, especially regarding children’s wellbeing.
If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose?
The formerly pristine oceans and their inhabitants.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
That is a secret.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
I shall refuse to choose! My life wouldn’t make a good feature film.
What do you owe your parents?
So much. They paid for my dance classes, my singing coach and my drama school. My mother gave me constant support and love.
To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why?
I would very, very much like to say sorry to my mother, for all the times I told her I hadn’t got the time to talk.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
To lose my fourth baby.
How do you relax?
Playing some hits at tennis. Or watching tennis live or on TV.
What is the closest you’ve come to death?
In April 2015 I nearly died, as my heart was finding it too difficult to keep my smoke-destroyed lungs going.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Clean air.
What keeps you awake at night?
I wish I knew!
How would you like to be remembered?
Maybe a skilful bronze face somewhere. Or a small but helpful scholarship for a drama student or singer to study singing.
