We were the only black family in an estate with 1,000 white families. Liverpool being quite racist in the Sixties, it was a bit grim growing up.

I'm busy and that's the way I like it - when I have too much downtime I get into trouble.

Critics called me 'egregious' - I had to look that one up - and 'creepy', but now I don't read them, I weigh them.

My life has been, I suppose, the most incredible series of highs and lows.

Once journalists have been rifling through your dustbins, you do try and keep them at arms' length.

It's evolve or die, really, you have to evolve, you have to move on otherwise it just becomes stagnant.

The inventory process and stepping back in your life can sometimes be a very dark process. But it also can be extremely funny and surprising.

I have a stepladder. It's a very nice stepladder but it's sad that I never knew my real ladder.

I was thinking - if we get a cell with a trouser press, we can make cheese toasties.

Who needs drugs when you have Takeshi's Castle?

It's not supposed to be easy, if it's easy, it's no good, that's the way I look at it.

If you want to be free of the wars of the world, begin by resolving the wars within you. If you want to see the world at peace, create peace within your mind.

All stories are true, Astrea. By speaking them aloud, we bring them to life. Once words mingle with breath and sound, they become something new and alive.

The time will come that gold will hold no comparison in value to a bushel of wheat.

So you questioned him?" Raisa prompted. "What did he say for himself?" "Well, the first thing Gillen does is steal his purse and beat him with a club." Amon said.

I am very happy to be signing for the best team in the world and especially proud to be the first Portuguese player to join Manchester United.

I see this quality [real interest and joy] in the work of [Pavel] Chekhov, of course, and [Alexei] Tolstoy and really just about any great writer.

I happen to write by hand. I don't even type.

At the end of the day, you won't be happy until you love yourself.

When you have found out the prevailing passion of any man, remember never to trust him where that passion is concerned.

Focus and simplicity...once you get there, you can move mountains.