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Elaine C Smith - Actor
Elaine is a respected all round performer. She starred as Mary Nesbitt in Rab C. Nesbitt and is a columnist for the Sunday Mail. She was born in Baillieston, Glasgow."A woman should always believe that she can achieve anything regardless of her sex. A Lack of self belief stops potential."
I don't think we are proud enough. We are proud in a sort of "Wha's like us" way but not in reality. Pride isn't enough at the occassional football match, that isn't real pride.... its a sort of misplaced nationalism. I get tired of all these politicians and business people talking about how much they love Scotland but at the first opportunity of an offer from London they're off!
Pride should be about what we believe in , how we treat each other and how we treat people from other parts of the world.
We don't believe in ourselves enough…if we did we would be an independent country and not
content to be ignored by Westminster!! But the Scots in our own midst are the ones who do the
country the most harm because when it comes to it they won't vote for themselves or the rest
of us.
Baroness Helena Kennedy is inspirational. Her work as a lawyer, as a Human rights campaigner,
a writer, as Head of the British Council or as a Baroness in the House of Lords and as an independent
voice on democracy sets her apart as a very special woman.
Her roots are in Glasgow and she has never lost her sense of who she is and where she came from
or her ability to spot a fool and a blaggard at 100 paces!! She is a dear friend, loves to laugh
and to talk, but a powerhouse and an inspiration to women all over the world. When I grow up
I want to be like her!!
Trying to keep sane and balanced in a wonderful profession but dogged by ego, bitterness and envy. Trying not to be swayed by what people expect me to be or do and keeping my own counsel and listening to those who truly care!
All for different reasons. Other peoples laughter makes me laugh so that's great, singing is a joyous thing and good for the soul. Film and TV are the most uncreative but reach more people. I would hate to give up the ability to communicate with other human beings…that would be awful and I wouldn't care what medium I used as long as I could keep doing it!!
I wasn't given any good advice at Drama School. I wasn't flashy and was seen as a nice working
class girl with a wee bit of talent…no one spotted anything special in me or nurtured me.
When I sang and played piano at a college cabaret I got a standing ovation and no one knew who
I was!! Audiences spotted something they liked in me long before the people in the know ever
did…actually before I even knew myself!!!
People have said lovely things over the past 25 years but I tend not to believe them. It's very nice and can brighten a dull day but if I don't think that I've done a good job then no amount of compliments will change my mind!!
Lots of musical roles and where I wouldn't care…the West End of London holds no mystique
for me…I've seen so many bad shows there that as long as the production was good I'd be
happy.
I'd love to play the mother in Gypsy, or Nathan Lanes part in The Producers
(the women's parts are not great!). I played Adelaide in Guys and Dolls and adored it
and last year did Mrs Mears in Thoroughly Modern Millie which was great fun!!
Be a kinder, more loving and patient individual!!
My Mum. I would tell her how proud I was of her and what she achieved and gave us in life. She was always so busy being proud of me and my sisters and our families that I never got to tell her how wonderful, courageous, generous and kind she was.
I think she knew and I did try to tell her and show her how I felt but she died last year and now I regret not telling her just how much of a great influence she was on me and all who came into contact with her.
A woman should always believe that she can achieve anything regardless of her sex (well maybe not Heavyweight Boxing Champ but you know what I mean. ) A lack of self belief and self confidence stops so much potential.
I would change the tacit acceptance of the levels of violence against women. Our society is a very macho one and too many women from all classes and walks of life have suffered at the hands of abusive partners.
I don't think that we take the issue and the effects on children seriously enough…it is so much better than it was but there is a long way to go. So if I had a magic wand I would rid women of the fear of domestic violence.
I'm tempted to say George Bush, but that's too easy. I suppose liars and tyrants of all ages are candidates for Room 101 but if it's a thing then it would be Nuclear Weapons…pointless things, that cost too much and are only there to kill people…while half the world is starving. Madness!!
I tend to like American comedy shows so I was a big fan of Frasier, Larry Sanders and the early series of Will and Grace so I tended not to miss them. Now I love Curb your Enthusiasm and anything that Peter Kay does…he's just funny!!
Sightsavers International. I was in Pakistan earlier this year with them and was astounded and humbled by the work they do in restoring curable blindness. In Pakistan and throughout the Third World they do miracles on an hourly basis. Wonderful.
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