The interesting roles have only come since I got into my 30s. But I didn't know that was going to happen.
As an actor, you're like, 'Yeah, I want that phone call from Peter Jackson saying, 'You're my first choice for Thorin Oakenshield.'
Tolkien was, I believe, writing about his experience in the First and Second World Wars, where he would have spent a lot of time without any female contact. He was part of the fellowship of men who went to war, and I think, really, that's what he's writing about.
I think most five-foot-two people would be quite offended if they were to be called dwarves.
Adults will not necessarily laugh at the same thing as their children.
You've got to have baddies that you can boo.
I've become one of those actors who find it difficult to say 'no' when things are offered.
I think that internal conflict works very well, because, after all, all the best drama is fuelled by conflict.
I love being grungy and dirty.
When I told my mom I was going to audition for 'The Hobbit,' she said, 'Well, you've always loved Tolkien.' And she was right.
I confess I've got a yearning to go to Los Angeles, but I can't work out if it is because a lot of British actors seem to go or because there's this perception that the bottom has fallen out of British drama, so therefore, it's the place to head for.
I speak some dwarvish.
If you're used to being a maverick, then people don't get surprised when you start acting strangely.
I was in a production of 'Macbeth.'
When you already have a following, people are more likely to employ you.
I went into musical theatre, which I'm not really cut out for - I'm not as skilled at it as other people.
I was an estate agent for three years. That was pretty grim.
Someone told me a woman bought a dog so she could take it to the same park where I go running, but I'm hoping that's rubbish.
Do people really think that about my nose? I spent my whole life hating it, so it's amusing that people like it!
I think my fighting skills have certainly been improved by working with Peter Jackson.
