Being another character is more interesting than being yourself.

Acting is half shame, half glory. Shame at exhibiting yourself, glory when you can forget yourself.

I am all in favour of spontaneity, providing it is carefully planned and ruthlessly controlled.

One's self-image is very important because if that's in good shape, then you can do anything, or practically anything.

Ingrid Bergman speaks five languages and can’t act in any of them.

You can be good in a good movie, you can be good in a bad movie, you can be bad in a bad movie, but never, ever, be bad in a good movie.

I never accept lengthy film roles nowadays, because I am always so afraid I will die in the middle of shooting and cause such awful problems.

I'm sure there isn't an after-life. If there were, Ivor Novello would have got a message to us.

Most of my friends seem to be either dead, extremely deaf or living on the wrong side of Kent.

When I first went to America in 1928, there were spittoons everywhere. I remember avoiding spit as it flew past me in Times Square. Very unattractive.

Usually one must go to a bowling alley to meet a woman of your stature.

I think if we ignore that night, that kiss, then we’re both denying a part of who we are.

I was a weedy kid, not like one of those working-class men who can accommodate not being academically clever by physical strength and prowess.

Those who will find here a hold for their souls, an anvil for their hands, and vitality for their hearts, will build both their lives and the land.

Natural talent only determines the limits of your athletic potential. It's dedication and a willingness to discipline your life that makes you great.

I watched every single Bond movie three or four times, taking in everything I could about how the character had been portrayed in the past, then threw all that away once I started doing the role.

It'll take you a couple of vodka and tonics to set you on your feet again.

Be brave. Even if you're not pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.

Perseverance is a great element of success.

I doubt if I could love anyone who did not wish to see Look Back in Anger.

My father used to say to me, 'Whenever you get into a jam, whenever you get into a crisis or an emergency, become the calmest person in the room and you'll be able to figure your way out of it.'