Antony Sher

“A lot of good actors tend to be quite introverted as people.”

“When I'm painting and drawing I only do people. Acting is obviously portraiture - and writing is as well.”

“I was never built to play the hero. Physically or emotionally... And they're not as rewarding to play. At least for me.”

“Life is just more comfortable if you're honest and open about everything. I spent so many years being in the closet about one thing or another.”

“You don't expect to get the letter saying, Her Majesty would like to appoint you Knight Commander of the British Empire! It was just a completely overwhelming and exciting day.”

“Most of my career has been spent with the RSC doing Shakespeare, and the thing you learn from Shakespeare is that his historical plays don't bear anything other than a basic resemblance to history.”

“I feel so sorry for younger actors who aren't able to have the opportunities that I had, starting out in repertory theatre. It's really tough on young actors now.”

“I love the mixture that's in me. It makes me me. And that's why it's such a shame that people waste energy in denying who they are.”

“I'm a huge fan of David Hockney. I love the way he keeps reinventing himself.”