Michael Gambon

I sometimes think the theatre is more demanding because it requires things you don't have in films, like it requires you to make the people in the front row believe you and not look an idiot to them while the people right at the back can hear you.

I am a theatre actor, but the last ten years I've taken parts in movies because it keeps me in money.

There's no subtext in 'Harry Potter,' really; it's all magic - anything can happen. Why do I say this? Because it's a magic spell. It's quite nice in a way. There is a real freedom to it. Doesn't say much for acting, does it?

My only memories of school are of being beaten, of being hit in the playground, of masters poking their fingers in my chest all day.

I just hate the idea of being well known. I know that is almost impossible if you're an actor who has done okay, but I've always fought against it.

People should be shrouded in mystery. Especially actors. No, hang on, maybe actors should be blown up.

I can't remember any of the films I've done. You go from one to another, and they all blend in to a big mass. You remember the costumes because you remember how you felt - that Western I did with Kevin Costner where I wore the big hat and the two guns, I remember that.

Theater actors are just tolerated. You have to be a movie star to be a celebrity.

Television has dried up for my generation, so it's plays and films. You get used to being lazy doing films, but classical theatre's going to finish me off.

I live in fear of being a contented passenger. I'd rather get parts I can't play.

You get used to being lazy doing films, but classical theatre's going to finish me off.

The theatre starts every night at half past seven, and I like the rhythm of going to the theatre, parking the car, going to the stage door; I've grown up with all of that. I'd love to do more theatre - I mean, I shouldn't be telling the world that I can't remember lines any more, but I find it more and more difficult, so I don't know.