I'd never read 'Lord of the Rings' until I was asked to play Gandalf, so I didn't really know it was a frightfully famous book.

Try and understand what part you have to play in the world in which you live. There's more to life than you know and it's all happening out there. Discover what part you can play and then go for it.

I often thought my gravestone would say, 'Here lies Gandalf. He came out,'

Acting is a very personal process. It has to do with expressing your own personality, and discovering the character you're playing through your own experience - so we're all different.

To know you are in the company with people who love and care for each other, as well as for whatever they are working on, is almost essential.

I’ve often thought the Bible should have a disclaimer in the front saying this is fiction.

You can always pick out stage actors at the Oscars: they know how to walk.

We are very lucky to be men because women have a terrible time getting older parts. It's much more difficult.

Personally, coming out was one of the most important things I've ever done, lifting from my shoulders the millstone of lies that I hadn't even realized I was carrying.

When you were on stage, you could be absolutely open about your emotions and indulge them and express yourself in a way that - in real life - I wasn't doing.

Splendid architecture, the love of your life, an old friend... they can all go drifting by unseen if youre not careful.

You live not only for yourself but for others.

There is not point keeping up with the Joneses if they’re going someplace you don’t want to go.

With the right mindset, you can turn a painful downfall into a setup for a great success story.

You will never reach your destination if you stop & throw stones at every dog that barks...Better keep biscuits & Move on.

There is in my nature, methinks, a singular yearning toward all wildness.

Why, if its going to be allright, do we see it getting worse every day?

All things are full of God.

I wish to say what I think and feel today, with the proviso that tomorrow perhaps I shall contradict it all.

Don't take life too seriously.

In the valley of sorrow, spread your wings.