TOM STURRIDGE

Mental health is such a complex thing and so difficult to diagnose. What is a mental problem? Who does have mental problems? What's the difference between mental problems and depression and sadness?

I don't think I could do a superhero movie. I'm just not really that type of guy.

I felt that my decisions, whether good or bad, would always be supported by my parents, because I was loved and respected.

I write constantly about everything.

As children, my siblings and I were actively discouraged from acting. I have no memories of going on set with my parents - aside from 'Gulliver's Travels.'

There's this weird thing about acting where you have to wait for somebody to ask you to do it; like you have to wait for a director to say it's okay.

There I am, watching Philip Seymour Hoffman, one of my favourite actors in the world, walk into the room dressed up as Father Christmas, being hilarious, and I'm suddenly thinking, 'Where am I?'

I didn't have any idea what I wanted to be when I grew up.

Some people are defined by what they do.

I'm not afraid of not working.

I like to cook and go to Whole Foods.

I'm drawn to people rather than mediums - directors, writers, actors.

The most important thing is, whatever you do decide to choose, take it seriously and do your best.

I shouldn't be right for every role, because I'm not.

My career may look bizarre to some, but I have very strong reasons for doing every single job I've done.

So many things I thought I was doing have fallen apart. Until I've finished filming, I don't believe I have the job.

I'm not a very good actor.

Basically, I was a very serious film fan. I watched a lot of cinema and contemporary and European film.

If a film is being made by an intelligent director, they're going to cast the right guy.

It's always dangerous to prescribe an idea on other people.

It's not often talked about what a wonderful feeling it is to see someone that you care about love and be loved.

I spend the majority of my life not acting.

'1984' is terrifyingly relevant. It generates a political conversation, but it's an exciting piece of theatre. Every day, there are things to be spawned from Orwell's mind, whether it's in England or America, terrorist-related or government-related.

I left school early in my last year before I took my A-levels. I wasn't expelled. It was just a mutual understanding. I wasn't interested in going to school and they said, 'You're not turning up,' so we severed ties. Both sides appreciated it.

In England, theater auditions are gentler experiences. You sit down with the director and talk about the play.