When I first read Lord of the Rings I wanted to see a film of it. But at that time the technology wasn't there, there was no such thing as CGI.

Making films has never just been a job to me, it is my life. I have some interests outside of acting - I sing and I've written books, for instance - but acting is what keeps me going, it's what I do, it gives life purpose.

I think acting is a mixture of instinct, imagination and inventiveness. All you can learn as an actor is basic technique.

Films are now made by accountants. They pick a pretty young female or male face out of the air and give them a part - not because they think that person is right for it or is ready for it, but because they think that person will make them money.

There are many vampires in the world today - you only have to think of the film business.

The secret to a long marriage in the film industry? Marry someone wonderful, as I did. And always have her come along on location.

We don't always get the kind of work we want, but we always have a choice of whether to do it with good grace or not.