I went to Queen's University Belfast and stayed nine months, then I ran away to be an actor.

I would say critically of myself that I am somebody without secrets. Sometimes acting depends on you having a secret. I don't think I've ever had that.

I actually wanted to be a writer long before I wanted to be an actor.

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

I don't practise any religion but I am deeply interested in the answers that mankind has come up with to explain the human situation.

Like many Catholics, I was very affected by the personality of Jesus and that impression, pious as it was, has stayed with me.

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