Quotes About Dakota
"She's absolutely marvellous - and she looks right. I know Lyra better than anyone. Looking like someone isn't a case of having blond hair and blue eyes: it's about bone structure; the way someone carries herself. She is also a very good actress. At 12, she hasn't had time to be fully trained, but that was not what we were looking for. It a was question of getting someone who can be the part."
- Philip Pullman, author of 'His Dark Materials'
"She has just the combination of qualities that make up the complicated character of this girl."
- Philip Pullman, author of 'His Dark Materials'
"Dakota made what should have been an extremely difficult decision quite easy. We wanted a completely new face for Lyra, but I was surprised that any young girl, especially one without training, could light up the screen as Dakota does."
- Chris Weitz, director of 'The Golden Compass'
"Usually, it's a gut-wrenching decision. You realize the whole time how much rests on the shoulders of this kid. But I didn't have any doubts about Dakota. She looks not quite tamed, and that's Lyra."
- Chris Weitz, director of 'The Golden Compass'
"It was hard to cast someone, honestly, because you know that you may be doing them a disservice. I don't know if anyone can prepare Dakota for the kind of exposure that's going to come with this. Especially in England, where the press can be merciless."
- Chris Weitz, director of 'The Golden Compass'
"We were not just casting an actor, we were also casting a family situation. She had to handle the strain of acting and, when not acting, going to school. She had the hardest job. And it was not just hard for her, but for her mother, who had to make enormous sacrifices of time."
- Chris Weitz, director of 'The Golden Compass'
"Philip called me 48 hours later and said 'It's one of two girls'. And one of them was Dakota Blue Richards. We continued looking for another month, but he knew all along that he wanted Dakota."
- Deborah Forte, producer of 'The Golden Compass
"Michaela has brought Dakota up as a single mother. But she is a very well-loved child - her mother is totally devoted to her."
- Michael Richards, Dakota's grandfather
"When I saw her at my son's wedding in the summer, where she was bridesmaid, I joked that we needed to keep an eye out for all the paparazzi. But you never would have guessed she was on the brink of stardom. It's strange to think her days of being a modest bridesmaid are almost over, but I know she will cope."
- Michael Richards, Dakota's grandfather
"Michaela will help her keep her feet on the ground. I have had an eventful life and I slaved over many publications, but I will probably now best be known for being Dakota's grandfather."
- Michael Richards, Dakota's grandfather
"At school she was bright, perky, and had quite strong opinions. She'd always take the lead when it came to addressing the rest of the class."
- Simon Harper, Dakota's teacher