I was racing through life, utterly confused and angry. I don't know if I was out of control; it was more like I felt frustrated with myself and everything I saw happening around me.

Even now I can't stand being recognized in the street. I just hate it when strangers come up and try to talk to me. I'm pathologically shy.

I couldn't make sense of things. But then I began the process of civilising myself and trying to become a decent human being. I'm still working on it.

The whole fame and fortune thing is addictive.

I've had a blessed career, and that has been acknowledged in many ways over the years.

I've gradually grown more comfortable with who I am and what I am.

I went from being totally unknown to getting stopped every time I went out. I always wanted to be successful, but I have never wanted to become a celebrity. I never, ever, craved that.

If you think before you speak the other guy gets his joke in first.

I find it very hard to play a part, then take it off like a cheap suit and become Mr Normal - Mr. Nice Guy.

The older I've got, the easier I've found it to accept myself. I think I've finally learnt not to beat myself up so much.

The first audition my manger sent me on was 'The Hunger Games,' and I got the role.

Sometimes the Bible in the hands of one man is worse than a whiskey bottle in the hands of another.

Those who are prepared to die are most prepared to live.

It worries me that young singers think you can shortcut the training and go straight to fame and fortune, and programmes like Pop Idol have encouraged that.

To remain ignorant of history is to remain forever a child

Studying creativity is not an elite distraction, but provides one of the most exciting models for living.

Maybe death is the great equalizer, the one big thing that can finally make strangers shed a tear for one another

Don't you open your mouth about the best!

Life's meaning heavily benefits from lifelong bonds.

Every time you wake up and ask yourself, What good things am I going to do today?, remember that when the sun goes down at sunset, it will take a part of your life with it.