It was only when I finished the course and left my graduation diploma on the bus that I realized I’d become an actor.
There is an odd sense of responsibility attached to appearing in a drama about a real piece of history. A work of fiction is fun.
The good guy only gets the girl in a soppy way.
I’m not really very ambitious.
I just love working. I really enjoy the work, whatever it is.
I find it incredibly romantic that people should fight for a cause they believe in and be prepared to die for it.
I went further and further back through the centuries to get a sense of perspective but now at least I understand why Irish history evokes such strong passions and emotions.
When I left school I went to Australia for a year and worked in the drama department of a school in Perth.
I’m attracted to seeing how different I can be, pushing the boat out.
I don’t have any expectations as an actor and being rich and famous is not my driving force.
Baddies always do get the best lines, that’s the honest truth.
I’ve never done anything comedic. In all the years I’ve been an actor, I’ve never delivered one comedic line.
I’m more interested in enjoying my life and looking after my family than being hugely successful.
It felt good doing a physical job, and going home each evening feeling like I had really done a day’s work.
Your version of the truth is all that matters.
I’ve played my fair share of unpleasant character, and I have to tell you that you sleep better when you’re playing fun characters. You think you don’t take it home with you, at the end of the filming day, but subconsciously, there’s something floating around in the background there.
There are lots of people I admire and respect, but I don’t necessarily want to be like them. I’m to happy being myself.
The reason I wanted to be an actor is that I don’t want to play me for the rest of my life and make money out of that.