In the theatre, the actor is in total control. The director wasn't in the house last night, the designer wasn't there, the author's dead. It's just us and the audience.

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.

It's much easier to wear your pain on the outside...

I think people want to put you in a box and close it away so that it makes them feel better. A lot of musicians get that.

Let grace conduct thee to the paths of peace.

Most of the holiday movies I enjoy, like 'It's a Wonderful Life,' don't really involve Santa.

Fine. If I can't have you, then you do the taking. Have all of me, part of me, a small piece, whatever you want. Just please, have something.

No two individuals are ever the same. You cannot equate people. You can only create equal opportunity.

Comedy is what happens when you cross the dateline from the unbearable. Things become so unbearable they become a joke.

You know what I'm doing starting 1st November? Jesus Christ Superstar.

Sometimes you've got to be a little flexible. For the most part, it's hard to get players to look at the big picture also. I understand that. They're looking at their next start or their next at-bat.

Can honor's voice provoke the silent dust, or flattery soothe the dull, cold ear of death?