Am I athletic? In my dreams.
Am I athletic? In my dreams.
On Elizabeth McGovern: It's "complete coincidence" that they were cast together in Downton. (Downton...
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On Elizabeth McGovern: It's "complete coincidence" that they were cast together in Downton. (Downton Abbey (2010)).
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At home I have a Tibetan terrier. I'm still not sure if he's a genius or very thick. It's a fine lin...
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At home I have a Tibetan terrier. I'm still not sure if he's a genius or very thick. It's a fine line.
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When you are in the eye of the storm, you are often not aware of the whiplash around you.
When you are in the eye of the storm, you are often not aware of the whiplash around you.
Everyone at some point in their lives feels excluded and misunderstood.
Everyone at some point in their lives feels excluded and misunderstood.
Young people are so often dissed by the media.
Young people are so often dissed by the media.
I have an excellent internal compass.
I have an excellent internal compass.
I do realize how incredibly lucky I am.
I do realize how incredibly lucky I am.
[on the universal popularity of 'Downton Abbey'] We have a word in England: gob-smacked. I don't kno...
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[on the universal popularity of 'Downton Abbey'] We have a word in England: gob-smacked. I don't know if it translates. Overwhelmed is an understatement.
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On Elizabeth McGovern: It's the third time we've played husband and wife. We did a show called Thurs...
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On Elizabeth McGovern: It's the third time we've played husband and wife. We did a show called Thursday the 12th, which was a political thriller-type thing. I was only in it very, very briefly as her husband. And we did a short-lived comedy, probably one of my favorite shows I've ever done, called Freezing, about an actress called Elizabeth McGovern who comes to live in London rather than follow her Hollywood career.
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I've had people come up to me in the past and say they enjoyed whatever show I've been in.
I've had people come up to me in the past and say they enjoyed whatever show I've been in.
A typical Christmas is me shucking oysters. I love them and I always get them in at Christmas.
A typical Christmas is me shucking oysters. I love them and I always get them in at Christmas.
[on Henry Brown in Paddington (2014):] I thoroughly enjoyed that character and working with Sally Ha...
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[on Henry Brown in Paddington (2014):] I thoroughly enjoyed that character and working with Sally Hawkins as Mrs Brown. We improvised a lot in rehearsals and that was a complete joy.
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After World War II, the major estates really did collapse.
After World War II, the major estates really did collapse.
I had girlfriends, but settling down was the last thing on my mind.
I had girlfriends, but settling down was the last thing on my mind.
I always try to look for the best in most places.
I always try to look for the best in most places.
To go to the White House is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In fact, the building is not that big.
To go to the White House is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In fact, the building is not that big.
I certainly couldn't run a big country house, nor could I organize the greatest show on earth.
I certainly couldn't run a big country house, nor could I organize the greatest show on earth.
At 19, you know everything; by the time you're 40, you haven't got a clue.
At 19, you know everything; by the time you're 40, you haven't got a clue.
[on the appeal of Downton Abbey (2010)] It's Breaking Bad (2008) with tea instead of meth.
[on the appeal of Downton Abbey (2010)] It's Breaking Bad (2008) with tea instead of meth.
I'd love to retire somewhere like Winchester, where you have one foot on the pavement but a sense of...
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I'd love to retire somewhere like Winchester, where you have one foot on the pavement but a sense of being in the country as well.
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I've often been the guy who doesn't get the girl.
I've often been the guy who doesn't get the girl.