I've always been a history buff. It was one of the few subjects at school that really, really caught me.

Regardless of how dark and heavy the character is the actor has to approach it with that frame of mind.

I can't be described as a sex symbol; I think it's ridiculous.

I think you'll find a lot of actors will be interested in history because it sparks your imagination so much. When you enter a period of history, your imagination just goes wild in creating the world, which is really what acting is.

It's always a treat to have something that lets me explore a different period. I do try to be a stickler, as much as I can, but luckily the writers are, as well.

It's great to have actors who are often cast against type.

I've always been a history buff. It was one of the few subjects at school that really, really caught me.