Derek Jacobi

“The theatre is a great leveller. It's a great equaliser. You are judged on your talent and not on your background.”

“Work is my hobby, staying sober is my job.”

“Anyone who has a continuous smile on his face conceals a toughness that is almost frightening.”

“My own feeling is that one should refuse to be pigeonholed.”

“I've always been a bit of a chameleon, I've always liked to change.”

“I don't mind being a recluse, but I'm not a hermit. I'm a recluse with a phone.”

“I'm not a method actor. I'm a classical actor. I believe in the text.”

“There is a kind of invisible thread between the actor and the audience, and when it's there it's magical.”

“Playing Shakespeare is the ultimate challenge. It's the Mount Everest of acting.”

“I don't think I have a specific style. I'm a character actor, and I like to do all sorts of different things.”

“The older you get, the more you have to prove.”

“I love the stage. It's my home.”