I often think that could we creep behind the actor's eyes, we would find an attic of forgotten toys and a copy of the Domesday Book.

[May 1958, on playing Macbeth at age 30 and age 48] When you're a young man, Macbeth is a character part. When you're older, it's a straight part.

Have a very good reason for everything you do.

Shakespeare - The nearest thing in incarnation to the eye of God.

What is acting but lying and what is good lying but convincing lying?

Lead the audience by the nose to the thought.

I'd like people to remember me for a diligent expert workman. I think a poet is a workman. I think Shakespeare was a workman. And God's a workman. I don't think there's anything better than a workman.