In an industry defined by vapid Hollywood ‘stars’, Juliet Stevenson is a refreshing antidote. She speaks to Colin Fraser about her new film, And When Did You Last See Your Father?

“There are lots of things I’m supposed to have said about Hollywood that are just garbage – just fiction. Half of them I don’t recognise!”

Known for her resistance to the Hollywood machine, Juliet Stevenson has forged a career in Britain, with occasional forays into America and Australia. “I’m hardly Hollywood material,” she said,

“they’re interested in youth and perfection. I think I’m much happier working here where you can work a lifetime – 40, 50, 60 years if you want to. It’s not dependant on being flavour of the month.”

While her name is not as recognisable as those of her contemporaries such as Julie Walters, Juliet Stevenson is still a player. Hers is the face you know but can’t quite put a name to – one that jumped to fame in 1990’s ghostly drama Truly Madly Deeply.

As Keira Knightley’s onscreen mother in Bend It Like Beckham (2002), Stevenson hit gold with Paula Paxton whose chestnut “all I’m saying is, there’s a reason why Sporty Spice ain’t got a fella” became the catch-phrase of 2002. Well, among soccer-playing lesbians at any rate. She’s currently supporting Colin Firth and Jim Broadbent in the domestic heartbreaker, And When Did You Last See Your Father?

Her key scene takes place shortly after her husband dies. “Yes it was distressing. Situations like that take you back to times of great sadness, but I’m also quite glad for it. I don’t want to forget those times – sadness is a part of being alive. It’s good to keep them fresh, like preserving parts of your life by revisiting them. I think it’s a positive thing to do.”

Stevenson has no immediate plans for Hollywood. “You have to be under 30 and perfectly formed. Or have had a lot of surgery. I’ve never had surgery nor do I intend to have any. And I’m so not under 30 any more!”

And When Did You Last See Your Father? is in cinemas now.