Amanda Donohoe, 38, was born in London. After drama school, she landed her first major screen role in the 1987 film Castaway, starring opposite Oliver Reed. She went on to win a Golden Globe for her role in the television series LA Law, which included American television's first lesbian kiss. Currently appearing as Mrs Robinson in The Graduate at London's Gielgud Theatre, she is single and divides her time between Los Angeles and London.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Roast chicken and mashed potatoes that my Gran used to make.

What is your greatest fear?
Fear itself.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?
Knocking over a tray of canapés just before meeting Prince Charles.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Perfume and shoes.

What objects do you always carry with you?
Glasses, mascara, mobile.

Where would you like to live?
A Nash terrace, Regent's Park.

What is your most unappealing habit?
Smoking cigarettes.

What is your favourite smell?
Freshly cut grass.

What is your favourite building?
A Nash terrace, Regent's Park.

What is your favourite book?
The Wasp Factory, by Iain Banks.

What is your favourite fantasy?
Fantasies should be shared only with an intimate friend - if at all!

How did you vote in the last election?
I am ashamed to say I didn't.

How will you vote in the next election?
Labour.

Should the royal family be scrapped?
No.

Do you believe in capital punishment?
Absolutely not.

Do you believe in monogamy?
No, but I do believe in one at a time.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
The theatre.

Which living person do you most despise?
Hating anyone is a self-destructive bloody waste of time.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
'Marvellous' and 'darling'.

What is your greatest regret?
That I never went to university.

How do you relax?
I love to cook and enjoy good red wines.

How often do you have sex?
None of your business.

What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Having my own home.