I went to the London School of Economics to study sociology and psychology on a serviceman's grant. Votes: 15
If we destroy the biosphere, then mankind will die. We all waste our time worrying about stupid wars and petty jealousy and greed, and all the time, we're sitting on a time bomb. Votes: 13
My proudest moment was the number 'Reviewing the Situation.' I suspect that, because I gave my all to the role and because I was working with such a fine team of people, it inhibited my future career. Votes: 12
Working on a film, you don't get time to develop rivalries, but the theatre is like a little village, and the differences between me, Lionel and Georgia grew. Votes: 12
Now I can see I was at fault for not being more considerate, but when we were doing the show I didn't think it was my job to be considerate to other people. Votes: 10
I don't think a professional agent or theatre manager would say my career had gone as well as perhaps it should have after that first 'Oliver!' success, but then again I was never really intending to have a career in the professional theatre in the first place. Votes: 8
Playing Fagin in the play and film was a small miracle. Votes: 7
My training was that you fill in the canvas where it needs colour and polishing. You start with the words on the first night and keep adding bits of business. Votes: 7
The day after the Oscars, I flew back to London to film a television play for Anglia. It was a big mistake because you never really get acknowledged for wanting to work in England, as I did. Votes: 7
I love getting up in the morning with nothing else to do except write. Votes: 7
I never thought about settling down. I was obsessed with my career - I was blinkered. I finally met a woman who was worthy of me. Then we settled down and had many children. Votes: 7
I've no regrets. You take responsibility for your actions. Votes: 6
I grew up with music hall and revue and was used to filling in the little gaps here and there to get bigger audience reaction. Votes: 6
I always write 'Fight' on the mirrors - that goes way back to the times when you had to fight apathy. Votes: 6
For me, making the show work was getting belly laughs - like most variety artists. But the straight actor believes you fix your performance in rehearsal and that's it. Votes: 5
I've worked with the old dames and knights - Edith Evans, Ralph Richardson - they're the most incredibly humble, kindly people because they are so big that they don't need to be unpleasant. Votes: 5
My portrayal of Fagin was all to do with my experience in comedy and revue. Votes: 3
I'd wanted to be an actor from the age of five. Votes: 3
Ive no regrets. You take responsibility for your actions. Votes: 3
Fate destined me to play Fagin. It was the part of a lifetime, and I was the only actor to be in the stage production and in the film. Votes: 2
I think I'm a straight actor who occasionally does musicals; most people think I'm an eccentric comedian. It's amazing how many years you can spend in this business just sorting out something as simple and basic as that. Votes: 2
I was offered Fagin-type roles, but I wanted to do new things. I could have worked in America, but there was a recession in the British film industry, and I wanted to work in England. I've no regrets. Votes: 1
I watch people constantly. Votes: 1
There are names like Savoy Hotel, Caruso, Shangri-La, Pavlove, Mount Everest and the Treorchy Male Choir that just hang up there as peaks of excellence - perfect things that we simply take for granted as symbols of greatness. So imagine how delighted and honoured I am to join with all the other small peaks in congratulating the Choir of Choirs on its anniversary. In admiration, since I was a boy! Votes: 0