I approach every part I'm asked to do and decide to do from exactly the same angle: who is this person, what does he want, how does he attempt to get it, and what happens to him when he doesn't get it, or if he does?

I think there should be laughs in everything. Sometimes, it's a slammed door, a pie in the face or just a recognition of our frailties.

So you can't judge the character you're playing ever.

My parents certainly didn't have anything to do with the theater. I'm some kind of accident.

I think there's some connection between absolute discipline and absolute freedom.

In theater, you've got to be aware of your whole body because it involves stamina. It involves two-and-a-half hours and a sustained release of energy, maybe for six months.

I knew with Snape I was working as a double agent, as it turns out, and a very good one at that.