Laura Carmichael

Sometimes we do things that are really awful.

I cry at films and TV and even adverts.

When I'm in a tricky situation I often think: 'What would Beyonce do?' It helps.

I think as an actor you're used to having to travel, so wherever the work, is ...
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I'm from Southampton.

I certainly never saw myself as posh.

As actors, you play people who are not yourselves!

I did all sorts of jobs after drama school - working in a bar, as a teaching assistant. I probably learned as much from them as I did at drama school.

I cry at films and TV and even adverts.

I don't really get recognised very much.

I have such a huge girl crush on Beyonce.

I grew up listening in awe to stories of their wartime adventures. My granny, Joan, was a journalist and wrote amazing letters to my grandpa when he was a prisoner of war, while my nana, Mary, was a Land Girl, then a Wren. They were so independent, resilient and glamorous.

I think as an actor you're used to having to travel, so wherever the work, is you're willing to go.

I have two sisters, and we are the best of friends.

I think it must be so hard to start your career with everyone going on about how gorgeous you are. To be in that bracket must be so pressurised.

I'm from Southampton.

I'd love to work in the States, I'd love to work anywhere where you get a good script and a good part to play. But I do love British film as well.

I'm not recognised much at all.

It's beneficial to play against your type, to be chameleon-like.

In the U.K., there is a sort of obsession with class.

I've been really lucky because I've managed to become wonderful friends with a handful of very talented British designers. Christopher Kane has become one of my very good friends - also Erdem. Jonathan Saunders is another brilliant talent who's very kind. We all hang out.

My history teacher was utterly terrifying, but her lessons were very inspiring. She got me interested in people and stories, which then led me to acting.

I've not sat with my agent going: 'Where is the next hopeless girl I can play?' They just come along.

Playing a plainer role means everything is dependent on the credentials of the actor, not the fact that they are as pretty as Julia Roberts. People start to look at their talent rather than their appearance. And playing the ugly part often means less time in the make-up chair, which is a great benefit on set.

No one goes through life thinking that they're the best friend of the lead character.

Sometimes we do things that are really awful.

We all have hierarchies at work - even on set, the runner would never walk up to the director and ask for a cup of coffee.

The Twenties have this sort of attitude where you never know what's around the corner.

When I emerge from filming I feel slightly out of synch with real life, but it's also a relief.

When I'm in a tricky situation I often think: 'What would Beyonce do?' It helps.

You have to have sympathy for and an empathy with a character in order to play them.