I do realize how incredibly lucky I am.
I do realize how incredibly lucky I am.
On Elizabeth McGovern: It's the third time we've played husband and wife. We did a show called Thurs Show more
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. Hide
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.
I have an excellent internal compass.
I have an excellent internal compass.
[on the universal popularity of 'Downton Abbey'] We have a word in England: gob-smacked. I don't kno Show more
[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. Hide
[on Henry Brown in Paddington (2014):] I thoroughly enjoyed that character and working with Sally Ha Show more
[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. Hide
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.
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.
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.
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 Show more
On Elizabeth McGovern: It's "complete coincidence" that they were cast together in Downton. (Downton Abbey (2010)). Hide
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 Show more
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. Hide
[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 Show more
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. Hide
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.
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.
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.
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've often been the guy who doesn't get the girl.
I've often been the guy who doesn't get the girl.