I'm a latecomer to popular TV. This is rather new to me, being in a sitcom. It's been an ambition of mine.

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.

I laughed, and cried, and then woke up.

I was raised in a very old fashioned Ireland where women were reared to be lovely.

I think what's going on with gorillas is pretty bad. The fact is that you can buy gorilla meat in London any day you want it.

Experience is not what happens to you; it's what you do with what happens to you.

What is the task of the translator? I think the task depends on the book and on the translator.

I like to be in a European city where I can speak my language.

Hillary [Clinton] doesn't have a fascinating story to get behind. She doesn't fascinating story to tell. The only thing about Hillary is, you know, "first female president."

For faith, as well intentioned as it may be, must be built on facts, not fiction - faith in fiction is a damnable false hope.

The Christian faith gives us a new conception of work as the means by which God loves and cares for his world through us.

Those in power need checks and restraints lest they come to identify the common good for their own tastes and desires, and their continuation in office as essential to the preservation of the nation.