I've played my fair share of unpleasant character, and I have to tell you that you sleep better when you're playing fun characters. You think you don't take it home with you, at the end of the filming day, but subconsciously, there's something floating around in the background there.

I respect journalism. I was always very aware of journalism from a very broad point of view, but I'd say my baptism by fire was doing the Donald Margulies play Time Stands Still. That for me was a real education because I spent a lot of time with some incredible journalists, war reporters particularly - Bob Woodruff, Dexter Filkins - people who were very helpful in painting the picture for me and reading the accounts of people and what they experienced, a lot of PTSD.

It was only when I finished the course and left my graduation diploma on the bus that I realized I'd become an actor.

The good guy only gets the girl in a soppy way.

I've never done anything comedic. In all the years I've been an actor, I've never delivered one comedic line.

There are lots of people I admire and respect, but I don't necessarily want to be like them. I'm too happy being myself.

I went further and further back through the centuries to get a sense of perspective but now at least I understand why Irish history evokes such strong passions and emotions.