I'm obsessed with low end, its kind of my religion. In a way it has given me a chance to explore more than I have in any other project.

I've always written at night - my working day for years was around 9pm to 2am - though I do keep more regular hours these days.

Right after 'Raymond' I had a world-is-my-oyster attitude, but I found out I don't like oysters. I had this existential emptiness. 'What is my purpose? Who am I?' I had a big identity crisis.

A butler in an English household should, however, be English, and as much like an archbishop as possible.

I think the most terrifying things I've seen have been created by human beings in reality.

Life's been nothing but paperwork.

An image has stuck for most of my career and it isn't flattering.

I've often said there's nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse.

Don't learn to do, but learn in doing. Let your falls not be on a prepared ground, but let them be bona fide falls in the rough and tumble of the world.

I always say, when they ask me about American politics, is for you guys to decide who you elect.

Come children, let us shut up the box and the puppets, for our play is played out.