I'm sure I wouldn't have been asked to judge the Man Booker if it weren't for 'Downton.'
Dan StevensI'm shocked at being recognized. You go to places you don't think you would be and still, you are. Taxi drivers often recognise me... but I haven't got a free ride yet.
Dan StevensThe comfort zone is the great enemy to creativity; moving beyond it necessitates intuition, which in turn configures new perspectives and conquers fears.
Dan StevensIt's the challenge of trying to evoke any kind of sympathy for a role that ordinarily we would say, "Oh, this is a bad guy" and dismiss him.
Dan StevensI've never tried to find my real parents. I'm very grateful to my mum and dad for adopting me - they're completely incredible people. It was my dad who encouraged me to question everything, to forge my own path, to think, to read. I always felt it was my right to question everything.
Dan StevensIt's nice to get your glad rags on for awards like the Baftas, but it doesn't happen all the time.
Dan StevensFamily is hugely important to me. Having kids is the best possible way to shake off any kind of darkness that might accompany a role that you're playing.
Dan StevensSoap opera seems to be a dirty word, but actually they are the most popular shows we have. People want to know what happens next, people hate the villains and love the lovers. It's good, fun TV. But I wouldn't call 'Downton' a soap opera as such.
Dan StevensI want to spend as much time as I can with my family, yet I'm aware of having to bring home the bacon.
Dan StevensI've been exploring a lot of different avenues with a number of very different and very, very exciting filmmakers and writers. That's been the trip. I like to find something very, very different from the last thing I did, which might be similar to something I've done before, but as long as it's different from the last thing I did, it keeps me entertained.
Dan StevensIt’s not a bad lesson to learn in the bleaker months: how you view a storm is a question of perspective; provided you find the right rock to watch it from, it could be the most incredible thing you’ll ever witness.
Dan StevensBut even writing the column for the 'Telegraph,' that idea of working to deadlines, which as an actor that's not something you have to do in the same way. It's excited me into wanting to do a bit more.
Dan StevensI've had to learn when not to tweet. Like, you learn how to keep your mouth shut? Learn to keep your tweet shut.
Dan StevensI do listen to a lot of music. Actually, I very often ask directors if they can offer up a play list. They very often have one anyway that they're listening to.
Dan StevensComing back to theatre is something I'm keen to do for the rest of my life. It recharges my batteries, so to speak.
Dan StevensAt the age of 11 I was about 6 ft. tall and my voice had completely broken. That caused problems. I was this gangly, spotty, very unattractive kid. I wasn't cool and I wasn't a nerd. I didn't even want to fit in with anyone.
Dan StevensI've always enjoyed family movies anyway. And I grew up loving actors who could hop around and play in something very family friendly, big, playful - and then go and do drama and comedy as well.
Dan StevensI don't see money or a particular status as an actor as a goal, but I want to do the best work I can in as interesting a range of roles as I can.
Dan StevensAll my early school reports from the age of 5 were 'Daniel must learn not to distract others.'
Dan StevensWhat was interesting was talking to older gay men about what it was like being gay in the Eighties.
Dan StevensIt's great when somebody is able to communicate an actual shot sequence to you and you know the world you're inhabiting with that. It's literally a haunting tune.
Dan StevensYou do feel a certain obligation to shows that raise your profile like 'Downton' has. But there are definitely other exciting opportunities out there.
Dan Stevens"I've never see you do something like this before and I'd love to see you try." For a young actor, that's about the most exciting thing that anyone can say to you.
Dan StevensI've never been a fan of directors who clutter a piece with all sorts of crazy preconceptions or weird ideas.
Dan StevensA British porch is a musty, forbidding non-room in which to fling a sodden umbrella or a muddy pair of boots; a guard against the elements and strangers. By contrast the good ol' American front porch seems to stand for positivity and openness; a platform from which to welcome or wave farewell; a place where things of significance could happen.
Dan StevensSoap opera seems to be a dirty word, but actually they are the most popular shows we have.
Dan Stevens