I’m extremely happy in my life. I consider myself to be very blessed.
If life throws you a lemon – make lemonade.
Dynasty was the opportunity to take charge of my career rather than waiting around like a library book waiting to be loaned out.
I don’t believe in dieting.
And I kissed a lot of frogs as well, but no, I kissed a lot of frogs and now I’ve found my prince.
And the truth is I’ve always taken very good care of my skin, and always, always worn make-up.
And then I wrote my first autobiography when I – well, it was 23 years ago. And since then I’ve written about one book every two years.
Basically, though, I believe in eating well, not eating too much but eating a variety of foods.
Every woman should wear make-up. It takes years off. I’m wearing lots of false eyelashes today, and to me, lipstick is the best cosmetic that exists.
I am a fan of marriage and a fan of being committed to the right person.
I really feel now like a native New Yorker. And I’m very happy here.
I received an OBE from the Queen, which probably doesn’t mean anything in America but is quite nice in England – the Order of the British Empire for services to drama.
Gone are the days when a gentleman lightly took your hand in his and brushed his lips across it, or tipped his hat to acknowledge you as he chivalrously stepped aside to let you pass.
However much some journalists may criticize me, I know that I look, feel, and behave several decades younger than my actual age, and much of that is because I believe you are what you think you are. This is called positive affirmation, and it’s a really strong tool.
I have the absolute utmost respect for soap opera actors now. They work harder than any actor I know in any other medium. And they don’t get very much approbation for it.
I say, ‘Use it or lose it.’ I have my own fitness regime, which is centred around stretching, free-weights and fast walking. I also have a trainer half of the year, as I spend my summers in the south of France where I swim a lot.
I think bare legs in winter are idiotic. Unless your naked pins are toned, tanned and veinless, it’s best to cover up. There is nothing more elegant in winter than dark tights worn with matching knee-length boots and a belted trench coat.
I think it has something to do with being British. We don’t take ourselves as seriously as some other countries do. I think a lot of people take themselves far too seriously; I find that a very tedious attitude.
I used to not be confident. My father certainly didn’t add to my confidence. When I was 17 or 18, I was voted the most beautiful girl in England by the association of press photographers. When they called Daddy for a comment, he said, ‘I’m amazed. She’s a nice looking girl, but nothing special.’
Every time an article is written about me or any of my contemporaries who’s had the fortune and discipline to look good at a certain age, I am struck by the tone of astonishment, and the certainty that something is being done secretively to beat the devil.