Ashley Jensen Quotes

Powerful Ashley Jensen for Daily Growth

About Ashley Jensen

Ashley Jensen (born January 16, 1969) is a Scottish actress, comedian, and writer, renowned for her versatile performances in various television series and films. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Jensen grew up in the small town of Musselburgh. She began her career in theatre, performing with the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow before moving to London to pursue acting. Jensen's breakthrough role came in 2003 when she was cast as Maggie Jacobs in the British sitcom "Extras," created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. Her portrayal of a struggling actress earned her critical acclaim and two BAFTA Television Awards for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. In 2007, Jensen landed the lead role in the critically-acclaimed BBC Four series "Agatha Christie's Marple," portraying Miss Maple, the detective's assistant. This role solidified her status as a respected actress and brought her international recognition. Apart from her work on television, Jensen has also appeared in films such as "St. Trinian's" (2007), "The Cat's Meow" (2001), and "Death at a Funeral" (2007). Her unique ability to blend humor and pathos has made her a beloved figure in British comedy. Jensen's personal life is marked by her advocacy for mental health awareness, having openly discussed her struggles with anxiety and depression. She is also a dedicated animal rights activist and co-founded the Scottish charity "The Bluebell Sanctuary," which provides a safe haven for abandoned horses and ponies. Throughout her career, Ashley Jensen has demonstrated an extraordinary talent for comedy and drama, earning numerous awards and accolades along the way. Her work continues to entertain and inspire audiences worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I think it's very important to be a little bit eccentric."

The quote by Ashley Jensen, "I think it's very important to be a little bit eccentric," highlights the value of individuality and expressing oneself authentically. It suggests that embracing unique qualities, quirks, or unconventional ideas is a vital aspect of personal growth and self-expression. Being eccentric can mean stepping outside the norms and expectations society imposes, fostering creativity, originality, and resilience. However, it's essential to find a balance between expressing oneself and maintaining harmony with others. Too much eccentricity might make communication or social integration challenging, but just enough can help one stand out in a crowd while remaining relatable and authentic.


"Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."

This quote emphasizes the idea that personal growth, development, and identity are active processes shaped by our experiences, choices, and actions rather than something predetermined or passively discovered. It suggests that one should take an active role in shaping their own life and character, rather than waiting for self-realization to happen spontaneously. In other words, it's up to us to create the person we want to be.


"We all have our demons, but we have the power within us to choose what we feed them."

This quote highlights the human capacity for personal control over one's own life and emotions. The "demons" here are metaphors for negative thoughts, behaviors, or circumstances that people struggle with. Ashley Jensen suggests that although these issues exist within us, we have the power to decide what we allow them to consume and negatively impact our lives. In essence, it's a reminder that we possess the ability to make choices that foster growth and positivity rather than letting challenges and fears dictate our paths.


"I think women are capable of anything and everything."

This quote by Ashley Jensen highlights the belief in the limitless potential and abilities of women. It asserts that women can achieve any goal or task they set their minds to, regardless of societal norms or expectations. This perspective promotes gender equality, empowering women to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and pursue their dreams fearlessly. The quote encourages us all to embrace the boundless capabilities and resilience of women in every aspect of life.


"The best thing you can do for someone who's hurting is to offer them a safe place to land and let them grieve."

Ashley Jensen's quote suggests that providing support and creating a secure environment for someone going through pain or hardship is essential in helping them heal. This involves not only offering emotional solace but also allowing them the space to express their feelings and process their grief at their own pace. The essence of the quote underscores empathy, understanding, and patience as key elements in offering help during difficult times.


My mother has only just got over the fact that I will never play Shrek's sister - because of the Scottish accent, she thought I'd be perfect.

- Ashley Jensen

Play, Fact, Over, Shrek

I have just been working with Maggie Gyllenhaal, who is also a mum, on a movie called 'Hysteria.' She is everywhere because of the nature of film work. Not that I'm name dropping or anything like that. I have to pinch myself when I remember who I've been working with.

- Ashley Jensen

I Remember, Been, Mum, Dropping

I do quite like sightseeing. I like churches, museums, galleries and all that stuff. I love the smell of a church in Italy or the smell of an old greasy spoon somewhere. I like markets and little funny shops in the backstreets of Florence.

- Ashley Jensen

Love, Old, Like, Churches

I think because I did become a well-known face in my thirties and not in my twenties, I was pretty settled in my boots and I knew who I was. And I think there's a sort of Scottish thing, too, where you don't take yourself too seriously, and you don't get carried away with your own sense of self-importance.

- Ashley Jensen

Own, Away, I Think, Scottish

Mind you, if a blockbuster movie was offered, I wouldn't say no. I can do accents - I don't always have to be Scottish.

- Ashley Jensen

Mind, Movie, Always, Scottish

As a child, I always chose a false nose and some face paint and a wig for my birthday.

- Ashley Jensen

Birthday, Nose, Always, Wig

In a world of iPads and emails, nothing has really changed in the theatre. You still get in an hour early, do your wardrobe, put an old pair of tights under your wig, and you have, 'This is your call, Miss Jensen'. I got exhilarated by that.

- Ashley Jensen

Got, Your, Put, Wig

I think it's strange when people my age and younger get surgery. Somebody's got to play old people.

- Ashley Jensen

Play, Think, I Think, Old People

Two days before I got the audition for 'Extras,' I was offered a theatre role, and I asked my husband, Terry, whether I should take it or not. He said, 'No, wait and see what else comes in.' Lo and behold, along came 'Extras.' Now that was lucky!

- Ashley Jensen

Lucky, Wait, Role, Behold

I did a lot of theatre when I started out. It was the Lyceum, the Citz, the Tron and the Traverse. I came to London and did the Royal Court, the National, 'King Lear' at the Manchester Royal Exchange. I did little bits of comedy, like 'Rab C Nesbitt,' but I wasn't predominantly about comedy.

- Ashley Jensen

London, About, King Lear, Manchester

I wanted to live where I could pop to the bar that Humphrey Bogart took Lauren Bacall to, or the little restaurant where Charlie Chaplin had a booth.

- Ashley Jensen

Could, Took, Lauren, Chaplin

To my family and friends, I'm very definitely a clown. But do you know what? Doing a drama would almost seem easy because I wouldn't need to find that gag in a line.

- Ashley Jensen

Doing, Very, Almost, Gag

I was Lady Gaga way before her time. I had a wee kettle for a handbag. Didn't everyone, at some point? One of the teachers used to call me Dame Flora Robson because I had this big, long Victorian skirt. And I wore a Peruvian hat. It was the 1980s - people were wearing lots of lace.

- Ashley Jensen

Big, Some, Gaga, Kettle

My mum Margaret was a single parent, but though life was a bit of a struggle she gave me every encouragement.

- Ashley Jensen

Parent, Mum, Though, Struggle

I think that children that are acting are always pretty savvy anyway because you're conducting yourself around adults a lot of the time, aren't you? But there is this worry now that children just want to be famous.

- Ashley Jensen

I Think, Around, Conducting, Savvy

The only time I've played a real baddy was when I was Regan in 'King Lear.'

- Ashley Jensen

King, Real, King Lear, Only Time

People are always asking me if I work out, but to be honest, I'm doing very little at the moment. The only time I really go to the gym is if I'm staying in a hotel.

- Ashley Jensen

Doing, Asking, Very, Only Time

To be honest, I probably wouldn't have gone to Hollywood if I hadn't been offered 'Ugly Betty' because I was a wee bit feart. But you have to make yourself frightened. That's what keeps you alive.

- Ashley Jensen

Hollywood, Been, Betty, Frightened

It means I wake up to sunshine every morning, and I can afford to drink better wine at night. But I haven't completely sold out to Hollywood.

- Ashley Jensen

Hollywood, Means, Sold, Wine

Everything has happened so fast for me that I sometimes can't take it all in. I'm a huge 'Friends' fan, and meeting Matthew Perry in L.A., where he was as keen to talk to me about 'Extras' as I was to him about 'Friends,' was amazing.

- Ashley Jensen

Him, Sometimes, About, Perry

There's just no place like Scotland when the sun is out. I just love coming home.

- Ashley Jensen

Love, Sun, Like, Coming Home

I know what I look like. I'm not a babe who's automatically going to be the leading-lady type. I think I would always be cast as the friend. I probably tend to look crap more often than I look good. I like messing around and pulling funny faces and doing funny walks.

- Ashley Jensen

Doing, I Think, Messing, Babe

I've reached a point in my life where going to the supermarket is a day out.

- Ashley Jensen

My Life, Going, Reached, Supermarket

L.A. hasn't changed me that much - I've not forgotten where I'm from, you know. And I need to find a haggis, but no-one seems to sell them over here.

- Ashley Jensen

Need, Here, Over, No-One

I don't even think places like the National Youth Theatre (NYT) are necessarily about wanting to be an actor when you grow up. They're about meeting people from different backgrounds and different religions and different cultures, and mixing with people that you wouldn't ordinarily meet.

- Ashley Jensen

Wanting, About, Mixing, Different Cultures

I just wanted to be an actress. It never occurred to me that I could become famous, because I'm not one of those people who's automatically going to be the lead. I always saw myself as the mate.

- Ashley Jensen

Famous, Always, Actress, Mate

I've always been quite thrifty. I can't bear to spend hundreds of pounds on designer clothes. I shop in second-hand shops in Portobello Road and go to Sue Ryder.

- Ashley Jensen

Always, Been, Sue, Thrifty

I missed Britain. I'm from here and I never aspired to go to L.A. - it sort of happened by default. I loved being there. I found it a little bit difficult at first, but I found my way.

- Ashley Jensen

Missed, Here, Britain, Being There

I want to go to Lapland and see Father Christmas, and now I've got a child, so I've got an excuse. Also, I'd like to go to South America especially as I'm now living in that part of the world, in L.A. now. And I must get down to Mexico.

- Ashley Jensen

Father, Part, South, South America

Before I lived in America, my husband and I did a Californian road trip. We took a month, starting off in L.A. I love the landscapes of California: one moment you're in the desert, the next you're up in the Napa Valley or by the water in Big Bear.

- Ashley Jensen

Love, Big, Next, Starting

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