In a rehearsal room, your real resource as an actor aren't the things around you; your resources are your imagination and your director and the other actors. In those close quarters, your imagination and your skills are what you turn to.

Hamlet, that's the only role there is, finally. The only role. After that, you settle down and only do the fun things on stage.

I always have a contract with a character. Even when he's unappealing. The contract is to give him his due. To tell his story. And to keep his secrets.

I am very fond of the people, landscape, poetry, music, history and the Guinness. Being there makes me think of my mother and my grandmother - always sentimental and warm thoughts.

What has emerged as I've gotten older is simplifying the characters I play, unless the role calls for something that is arcane or ornate.

I wouldn't say 'Avatar' changed my life, but it definitely changed my career.

I've played the clarinet since I was a kid. I love to sing, but I'm not much of a singer. Let's say that when it comes to vocalizing, I have the soul of Billy Bigelow but the voice of Jigger Cragan.