What I love about the East End is that theres a great perseverance, determination and courage. What I dislike about it is that there is sometimes a celebration of ignorance.

There's no great mystery to acting. It's a very simple thing to do but you have to work hard at it. It's about asking questions and using your imagination.

I was brought up in a house full of women; the first time I realised no one was interrupting me was when I was on stage - that's probably the subconscious reason I became an actor.

I used to do a lot of comedy. I don't know what happened. I think it's my face.

My business is not to show anybody anything; my job is just to do it.

It's a very fascinating thing for an actor to play somebody who is suffering, and you have to express the suffering, but in an inarticulate way and sometimes a dysfunctional way, through violence.

I wanted to work with Bryan Singer because I like his films.

Different races never fazed me because coming from Bethnal Green, I'd been around people of different races forever. Different class? That was much harder.

I've got four kids to feed and a wife to provide for. It's a worry but a great responsibility as well and one I relish.

I want to be respected as an actor. There's my ego. But I don't have a great need to be liked by an audience.

The trick to acting is not to show off, it's to think the thoughts of the character.

"Nags" nag because they feel they aren't being heard.

My mother said I was a clingy kid until I was about four. I also remember that from the age of eight she and I fought almost every day.

Snow provokes responses that reach right back to childhood.

They say night's beauties fade at dawn, and the children of wine are oft disowned in the morning light.

I've gone for each type: the rough guy; the nerdy, sweet, lovable guy; and the slick guy. I don't really have a type. Men in general are a good thing.

The attitude of the English towards English history reminds one a good deal of the attitude of a Hollywood director towards love.

When the wisdom of the heart replaces the chatter of the mind, The power of Love flows forth.

I just go out every day and try to work hard.

People with vision master the ability to see through to the heart of issues and investments. They value transparency.

Soldiers may grow a soul when turned to fronds, But here the thing's best left at home with friends.