But comedy I'd love to do as much as humanly possible.

We are adjusters. We empathize, we change rhythm and above all we listen to our fellow actors-if they're good actors.

The biggest surprise in a man's life is old age.

I think the actor has a tribal role as the archetypal story teller. I think there was a time when the storyteller, the priest, the healer, were all one person in one body. That person used to weave stories at night around a small fire to keep the tribe from being terrified that sun had gone down.

I was fortunate as a young actor, to go straight to the RSC, where I learned that being an actor can bring with it wonderful responsibilities.

The hierarchy of class in London was rigid. It was like a religion. It still is to a certain extent.

If your best friend has stolen your girlfriend, it does become life and death.