I have always regarded Mr. Bean as a timeless, ageless character, and I would rather he be remembered as a character mostly in his 30s and 40s.

I don't think you should be too absolutist about what you play and what you don't play.

[Georges] Simenon could be very brave like that. You never quite know what you're going to get or how the story's going to be told.

And, we put a lot more value, or at least I personally put a lot more value, on the creative values and creative challenges of something than the commercial necessities.

I'm not looking for anything other than an interesting role to play.

I like to juggle with one ball at a time. Then I put the ball down and do nothing for extended periods of time.

[Maigret] is more internal. I think if we made more of these I might let him out a bit.