I've come to this conclusion: What makes a great actor is great need. A huge need of acting.

Having caught a glimpse of what I might be able to do with my talent, I feel a tremendous obligation to try to fulfill it.

Shakespeare speaks for the human heart but Dickens speaks for the social man and for injustices.

Jesus is absolutely at the centre of Western civilisation and part of my fascination with him is, why? What is it about this particular man and his story?

Artists probably should have some impenetrable aspects of themselves.

Childhood didn't have a big influence on me, really - in fact I spent most of it plotting how to escape.

I am never bored, never short of anything to do and I don't even ever feel lonely. I am quite gregarious and I get out and about a lot, but sometimes it is just wonderful to be on your own.