Sue Johnston: 'My dad equated acting with prostitution'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.I think I was a terrible disappointment to my mother She was an upright citizen of the parish, her house was immaculate and she'd never be seen without make-up and her pearls, almost until the day she died. She always told me that she had pride in her appearance, as if to say I hadn't.
My dad equated acting with prostitution I think it was because our family didn't know anyone in the business. I had the opportunity to go to university after school, which he'd never had, and I think he was initially disappointed that I didn't take it.
My mother didn't like the fact I was known on TV When I was on Brookside she would say I was trying to draw attention to myself – showing off – and I don't think she ever got it.
I've learnt to not worry about things until they happen My mother worried about everything. She worried about worrying and it became an all-consuming nightmare for her and I thought what a waste of life it was.
'The Royle Family' was successful because it was believable Our audience shared in the characters' foibles as we believed they were real, and I think that's what good acting is: to not actually act, to be real and truthful; people can see through "acting".
I always seem to drop something on myself at the point someone shouts 'action' A few days ago I spilt coffee all down the front of my costume while filming a series for Sky called Gates. It was so embarrassing; everyone had to stop as I had to get my dress cleaned up.
Liberalism has gone crazy Teachers can't discipline and the police don't know what to do [about youth crime]. For three generations, poverty has been allowed to grow, gang culture has sprung up, no-go areas have flourished and we're awash with dependents who don't know what it's like to work.
I want 'you'll Never Walk Alone' played at my funeral Liverpool [FC] is one of the true passions in my life. My father took me to watch games when I was a child, and I've done the same with my son since he was eight. I feel at home at Anfield; sitting with like-minded people gives you a great feeling of unity.
Sue Johnston, 67, is an actress. Her memoir, 'Things I Couldn't Tell My Mother', is published by Ebury, priced £18.99
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments