Shirley Henderson
Birthday: 24 November 1965, Kincardine, Fife, Scotland, UK
Height: 154 cm
The eldest of three sisters, Shirley Henderson was born into a working-class family in the village of Kincardine in Fife, Scotland. As a teenager she sang locally and performed in school drama clubs. ...Show More
I never get the tall, blonde, glamorous roles because I'm not tall, blonde and glamorous. I'm more t Show more
I never get the tall, blonde, glamorous roles because I'm not tall, blonde and glamorous. I'm more the wee, disturbing characters because of the way I look or sound. Hide
Filming is long - you get very tired, and your skin breaks out and you get lumps and bumps. It's eas Show more
Filming is long - you get very tired, and your skin breaks out and you get lumps and bumps. It's easier if you're allowed to have bags under your eyes. Hide
I'm not going to get an Oscar at 30 - that's done. So I'll think of something else.
I'm not going to get an Oscar at 30 - that's done. So I'll think of something else.
I wasn't frightened of people, but I didn't have a clue about the adult world.
I wasn't frightened of people, but I didn't have a clue about the adult world.
I spend plenty of time in London and it doesn't scare me, but it's a lonely place, even if you've go Show more
I spend plenty of time in London and it doesn't scare me, but it's a lonely place, even if you've got friends there. My job takes me all around the world, meeting lots of interesting people. But I think if I couldn't get home, if I couldn't get back to what I consider my real life I'd be frightened. Hide
American scripts are usually non-stop conversation. People talking over each other. I like that.
American scripts are usually non-stop conversation. People talking over each other. I like that.
There is such pressure on kids these days to be the best at everything.
There is such pressure on kids these days to be the best at everything.
When I'm doing theatre, I feel like my life's on hold. Even though you might go out for a coffee, or Show more
When I'm doing theatre, I feel like my life's on hold. Even though you might go out for a coffee, or go and see a film, your brain is still there, pulling you back to it. Hide
I don't have children, but we all want to protect whatever we love in life.
I don't have children, but we all want to protect whatever we love in life.
I like doom and gloom with a sense of humour. Maybe it's a Scottish thing, we like to undercut indul Show more
I like doom and gloom with a sense of humour. Maybe it's a Scottish thing, we like to undercut indulgence with a laugh. Hide
Youth makes you brave, I suppose. When you're young, you make a fool of yourself all the time. Becau Show more
Youth makes you brave, I suppose. When you're young, you make a fool of yourself all the time. Because of all the rejections and the criticism you get all the time, there has to be a drive there. Hide
I daydream all the time, and I like that quality.
I daydream all the time, and I like that quality.
It's such a stress always trying to get bigger houses and larger cars and better schools. Of course, Show more
It's such a stress always trying to get bigger houses and larger cars and better schools. Of course, parents want to give their children the best opportunities in life, but sometimes that can stifle them. Hide
I'm always nervous taking on a period role because it's difficult to research - you can't observe it Show more
I'm always nervous taking on a period role because it's difficult to research - you can't observe it, go out and see it. But it's satisfying because eventually you think, 'I got there.' Hide
Children don't just play any more - they're far too busy learning to fence and taking extra French c Show more
Children don't just play any more - they're far too busy learning to fence and taking extra French classes. In the end, you're actually doing more damage to your children by trying to hot-house them. It's far better to remain a calm parent. Hide
It's odd, because I used to see pictures, on telly or wherever, of what I now know to be Shaftesbury Show more
It's odd, because I used to see pictures, on telly or wherever, of what I now know to be Shaftesbury Avenue and I used to wonder what that amazing street with all the lights was. Well, now I know. I think when you get a wee taste of something, it maybe isn't what you thought it was. Hide
I don't know what I'd do if I had to look pretty all the time.
I don't know what I'd do if I had to look pretty all the time.
Shirley Henderson'S roles
