The 5-minute Interview: Joely Richardson, actress

'I find the red carpet so terrifying that another persona just kicks in'

'The best nights out are those that take you completely by surprise' (AP)

'Nip/Tuck' star Joely Richardson, 43, is fronting the Be Water Wise With Ariel initiative with the Children's Safe Drinking Water Programme. She recently visited Malawi to see the charity's work

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Promoting the Ariel Water campaign, so if I wasn't talking to you, I'd be talking to someone else about it.

A phrase I use far too often is...

"Do you know what I mean?" I wonder if I have properly communicated what I want to say. People always respond "yes".

I wish people would take more notice of...

The world around them, because the only thing we will take with us is everything we give away.

A common misperception of me is...

I'm icy. It's very difficult when there are pictures taken on the red carpet. I find those things so terrifying that another persona just kicks in. I don't recognise myself.

In moments of weakness I...

Pick up a cigarette.

I'm not a politician but...

Be involved in as many human rights movements, campaigns and charities as you can.

I'm good at...

Listening. Well, I like to think I'm good at it. So often people say something and you realise you haven't really heard it.

I'm very bad at...

Long-term planning. I live quite an unsettled life.

The ideal night out is...

The best ones are those that take you completely by surprise.

You know me as an actor but in another life I'd have been...

A teacher. It's not that dissimilar to acting; it's all about communicating.

My philosophy is...

Seize the day. Well, I aspire to that anyway.

Lula Boardman