When I left school I went to Australia for a year and worked in the drama department of a school in Perth.

Baddies always do get the best lines, that's the honest truth.

It was only when I finished the course and left my graduation diploma on the bus that I realized I'd become an actor.

I'm attracted to seeing how different I can be, pushing the boat out.

I'm not really very ambitious.

I don't have any expectations as an actor and being rich and famous is not my driving force.

There are lots of people I admire and respect, but I don't necessarily want to be like them. I'm too happy being myself.

I find it incredibly romantic that people should fight for a cause they believe in and be prepared to die for it.

I went further and further back through the centuries to get a sense of perspective but now at least I understand why Irish history evokes such strong passions and emotions.

It felt good doing a physical job, and going home each evening feeling like I had really done a day's work.

There is an odd sense of responsibility attached to appearing in a drama about a real piece of history. A work of fiction is fun.

Fame and recognition break all scandals

I don't think my kids have to worry too much about me embarrassing them because that's not how I would want to grow up, with wacky dad showing up at school and performing for everyone.

My first show sold within the first 3 minutes, and I came back to the studio and spent the next two and a half years making almost nothing

From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen.

You can't just come out and do the same moves that you always do because someone just basically came into the center of the ring and spun around on their head and did a back flip.

Surprisingly, I think if you're known on the Internet, you're probably an introvert.

I hope we get to the bottom of the answer. It's what I'm interested to know.

You win some, you learn some.

Good writing never soothes or comforts. It is no prescription, neither is it diversionary, although it can and should enchant while it explodes in the reader's face.

The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.