From kings to groundlings, Shakespeare made his work profound for everybody. That is how it should be. There is no hierarchy in theatre. It makes everyone part of a collective.

I always call Billy Elliot a fantasy autobiography because I never wanted to be a dancer, but I got a lot of stick from the other kids about wanting to be a writer and being interested in drama.

Culture is something that we all share and we are all the poorer for anyone excluded from it.

There’s no comparison. Veganism is the single most important thing that one can do today.

In a way, 'Billy Elliot' was autobiographical. I can't dance, but I think his dancing was me discovering about writing and literature.

To touch the soul of another human being is to walk on holy ground.

Travel makes me feel like a bird, Travel gives me a sense of freedom, Travel makes me come alive!

Did you call someone and tell them you’re safe?”“Called and told ’em I’m not dead. Not so sure about safeyet.

A marriage, willy-nilly, requires you to trust that your spouse will tell your story truthfully and lovingly when you are no longer around to tell it yourself.

There are always more smart people outside your company than within it.

Art is so personal. I'm very comforted by the fact that certain movies that I love, other people hate. Certain books that I love, other people hate. You can't please everybody.

I have been urged by the earnest pleas of thousands of people to enter this race. Therefore, I hereby declare my candidacy for Mayor of Chicago.

Authentic stardom ... is a gift which, if it is to have any permanent significance, must be bestowed by a public rather than a manager.

Funnily enough, it is the subject one dreads talking about at length one ends up talking about at length, often without the slightest provocation.

Ignorance is the curse of God; knowledge is the wing wherewith we fly to heaven.