June Whitfield Quotes

Powerful June Whitfield for Daily Growth

About June Whitfield

June Whitfield (15 November 1925 – 23 September 2018) was an English actress whose illustrious career spanned over six decades in radio, television, film, and theatre. Born in Streatham, South London, she developed a love for acting at an early age and trained at the Anna Scher Theatre School. Whitfield made her professional debut in 1948 with the BBC's Children's Hour series. Her first major role was as Miss Peggy Parish in the BBC radio comedy Take It From Here (1948–50). This experience led to a fruitful collaboration with the BBC, where she would later become a staple of British comedy and drama. In the 1960s, Whitfield gained widespread recognition for her roles as 'British Secret Agent' Barbara Good in Carry On Spying (1964) and as Cornelia Fitton in Terry and June (1968-1978). Her performance as Granny Ruth in the long-running BBC sitcom Terry and June earned her two BAFTA nominations. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Whitfield continued to appear in various comedies and dramas, including The Good Life (1975–1982), Doctor in Charge (1972-1984), and Last of the Summer Wine (1986-2010). Her ability to play both leading and supporting roles across diverse genres solidified her status as a versatile actress. In 1993, Whitfield was awarded an OBE for her services to drama. Throughout her career, she worked with many notable actors and directors, including Sid James, Terry Scott, and Kenneth Williams. June Whitfield's legacy lives on as a testament to the enduring power of British comedy and the versatility of its beloved performers.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Everybody needs a hobby."

The quote "Everybody needs a hobby" by June Whitfield underscores the importance of having an activity outside one's professional or daily routine that brings joy, personal growth, and relaxation. A hobby can serve as a creative outlet, foster social connections, enhance mental well-being, and provide a balance to our often busy and structured lives. In essence, it emphasizes the need for engaging in activities that make us feel fulfilled beyond just fulfilling responsibilities, contributing to overall life satisfaction.


"Always be yourself, unless you can be Marilyn Monroe, in which case be Marilyn Monroe."

This quote suggests that it's important to always be authentic (be yourself), but if there's an opportunity to emulate someone else who is admired or idolized (Marilyn Monroe in this case), then one should do so. In essence, the message is about finding a balance between self-expression and aspiration, acknowledging that sometimes we can learn from, imitate, and be inspired by others while still maintaining our individuality.


"You can't help getting old, but you can wrinkle with dignity!"

This quote by June Whitfield emphasizes the inevitability of aging, yet encourages embracing it with grace and dignity. The "wrinkles" here symbolize not just physical changes that come with age, but also the accumulation of life experiences, wisdom, and resilience. It's a call to accept the passage of time with poise and maintain one's self-respect amidst the process.


"Life is like a box of chocolates - sometimes you get a walnut."

The quote implies that life, like a box of mixed chocolates, can offer both desirable treats (chocolates) and unexpected disappointments (walnuts). It suggests the unpredictability and diversity of life experiences. Just as we might be pleasantly surprised by a favorite chocolate flavor or disappointed to find a walnut, we encounter moments of joy, disappointment, challenge, or surprise in our lives. This quote encourages us to embrace the uncertainty and enjoy the diverse array of experiences that life presents.


"I believe the secret of a good life is to fill it with people you love, and work you enjoy."

This quote highlights the importance of building a fulfilling life around two essential aspects - relationships and work. By filling one's life with loved ones and work that brings joy, June Whitfield suggests creating a rich, satisfying life experience. In essence, she emphasizes that true happiness comes from investing in meaningful personal connections and engaging in activities that bring purpose and enjoyment.


I've taken a personal trainer once a week because I'm dreadful. I don't exercise; I don't walk about an awful lot because my feet hurt, so I thought it was a good idea. It makes you move bits you otherwise might not.

- June Whitfield

Feet, Week, Awful Lot, Personal Trainer

I get recognised quite a bit, but people are so nice. They say things like, 'Thank you for all the fun,' which is wonderful to hear.

- June Whitfield

Say, Like, Which, Recognised

I think one of the reasons all the comics I worked with dropped off the log so early, and a lot of them did - Tony Hancock, Frankie, Sid James, it's dreadful really - was the stress. You can only be as good or better than the last show, and there's the permanent aggro of hoping you get the right writers and the right material.

- June Whitfield

I Think, Log, Reasons, Frankie

I certainly wouldn't have a facelift or a nip and tuck; that fills me with horror.

- June Whitfield

Horror, Certainly, Nip, Fills

My only claim to music is a good sense of rhythm, and I have been in musicals and done some singing.

- June Whitfield

Singing, Some, Been, Claim

Airports drive me mad. I don't mind the flying; it's all the hassle before you get on the plane and afterwards, including walking five miles through corridors to the point where you queue for ages to check passports and hope your luggage has arrived safely.

- June Whitfield

Through, Before, Plane, Hassle

For me, old age is just something that happens.

- June Whitfield

Old Age, Me, Old, Just Something

I take too much luggage. I'm the kind of person who can't decide whether to pack two or four pairs of trousers, so I usually take them all. I'm getting better but still inclined to take too many items, just in case I need them; I never do.

- June Whitfield

Two, Decide, Inclined, Luggage

I don't use Facebook or Twitter, and I email once in a blue moon, as I'm a rather slow typist and prefer to pick up the phone and hear a voice.

- June Whitfield

Voice, Rather, Prefer, Email

I like my iPad very much. I like to browse online shops and keep up to date with the world, so I carry it with me a lot.

- June Whitfield

Date, Like, Very, iPad

I don't think actors are any more prone to depression than anyone else.

- June Whitfield

Think, More, Any, Prone

I've never had a particularly sweet tooth. In fact, during the war, I used to swap my sweet ration coupons with my father - and he'd give me his clothing coupons in return. Looking good was more important to me than scoffing sweets.

- June Whitfield

Father, Fact, Sweet Tooth, Tooth

I've always slept pretty well and aim to get eight hours a night. I try to be in bed by midnight at the very latest. Occasionally I'll have an afternoon siesta if I'm going out in the evening.

- June Whitfield

Aim, Bed, Very, Evening

I am grateful for any following and am always surprised by it!

- June Whitfield

Grateful, I Am, Always, Surprised

The BBC say we need more working-class comedies, which is rubbish. We need funny comedies; it doesn't matter where they come from.

- June Whitfield

Working-Class, Which, BBC, Comedies

Do I ever really lose my temper? Goodness me, no. Not at home or at work. There's no point in getting in a tizz over anything. Life's too short.

- June Whitfield

Work, Lose, Over, No Point

I'm always up for cinema, and then you hear that, actually, the location is in a very cold place with all the attendant discomforts, and TV is much cosier and warmer.

- June Whitfield

Always, Very, TV, Attendant

I don't think I'm leading lady material, and I was always the wrong shape. I was never tall enough. But it was more lack of confidence. I shunned doing straight parts. I didn't think I was a good enough actress, so I thought I might as well do something they were supposed to laugh at.

- June Whitfield

Thought, Doing, Leading, Tall

It's vital all we oldies learn as much as we can about the Internet so we are not left behind.

- June Whitfield

Learn, Behind, Left, Vital

A quick trip to Paris would be nice. It's a beautiful city, and I've visited several times. I like the buzz, the sights and restaurants.

- June Whitfield

City, Quick, Sights, Visited

I was a huge fan of the bandleader Ray Noble when I was younger. He was one of the biggest musical names of his day and wrote such romantic songs as 'Goodnight Sweetheart' and 'The Touch Of Your Lips.' Wonderful stuff.

- June Whitfield

Fan, Sweetheart, Your, Huge Fan

The three ages of man: youth, middle age and 'my word you do look well'.

- June Whitfield

Middle, Well, Ages, Middle Age

Men have been domesticated, and I don't think it's necessarily good for them. They have been emasculated with the pill and women becoming more independent. I do think it's made a big difference for women to have more charge of their own bodies. It's made them feel more on equal terms and made the men feel less secure, less the master of everything.

- June Whitfield

Big, Been, Becoming, Pill

If you're the star of a show, the next one has to be as good or better, and if you're doing a series, if anything goes wrong, it's your fault. There's nobody else to blame.

- June Whitfield

Doing, Star, Next, Nobody Else

I was always given the comedy role, even in the ballet. I was the one who fell off her points, you know? I love doing comedy, and I love being in things that make people laugh.

- June Whitfield

Love, Always, Given, Points

In terms of work, I'm doing exactly the same as I've always done. It's what's around me that's changed.

- June Whitfield

Work, Doing, Always, Exactly The Same

Like all actors, after every job, I think, 'Well, that's the last one, and I'd better think about doing something else.' But I've been so very lucky, and I've managed to keep going for a long time. It's just the way the cookie crumbles, and it's crumbled pretty well for me. I appreciate it, and I realise how lucky I am.

- June Whitfield

Doing, Lucky, Very, Realise

The worst thing about age is not quite being able to do what you once did. The best thing is learning to accept what you've got and what you are.

- June Whitfield

Best, Worst Thing, About, Accept

I have been lucky enough to work in all kinds of comedy. I prefer working with other people. I could never do stand-up.

- June Whitfield

Lucky, Other, Been, Stand-Up

I always prefer to save up and have a four- or five-star holiday rather than take lots of little breaks where the standards aren't so high.

- June Whitfield

Always, Breaks, Prefer, Standards

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