Lena Headey Quotes

I like playing characters that have a prickly armor because when you start to see the cracks and some heart come out, it gives the audience something to look forward to.

People say that they like the characters that they believe that I am. But, I don't as much. I like the characters that I believe that I am not. Like my role on 'Law and Order.' That character unnerved people. And I loved every second of it. I want to continue growing as an actress. There are ways that I can reach quicker, or deeper, with acting.

I actually think it's harder to play vulnerability, because you're having to delve deeper into portions of your own psyche, what it is that makes you human.

I've been trying to take this journey over the last four years of getting away from playing manipulative and villainous characters and playing characters that are affected by what happens to them as opposed to unaffected.

For me it's even more interesting, because my character comes out of the shadow. It's a chance to really act emotionally, because the situation is an extreme one.

As the smoke clears, I awaken, And untangle you from me. Would it make you feel better To watch me, while I bleed? All my windows still are broken, But I'm standing on my feet.

I think it's an interesting thing to watch when a person is trying to keep it together and then ultimately when they do lose it a little bit.

I lost my moorings. But you know the great thing about acting? It's all part of the gig. You get to put it in your work.

For a lot of actors, there's a sort of code of honor around playing something other than yourself, which I just don't have. I love feeling like I'm - I won't even say acting out, but performing in some deep seam of my consciousness or my family's consciousness or my past. That's really amusing to me.

Emotional messiness is my reason for life. In acting, it's so important.

A lot of the characters I've played before are heroic or invincible in some ways and not tuned into fear and anxiety and pain.

It's always interesting when people are sort of broken. I think it's one of the most interesting qualities that human beings have is that broken people can fix themselves sometimes.

I'm glad I chose more vulnerable work about what is love and what is freedom and those kinds of things. But there's something innate in me where I always come back to characters with an edge.

I dig those kinds of roles where I have to dig down and find some internal motivation. I like tough roles.

In my experience as an actor over so many years, I don't know when I have been touched so deeply on so many levels as I have been by 'The Leftovers' in my three years there. It is a profound exploration of life, of grief, of loss.

As an actor, I'm allowed - encouraged! - to explore emotions that have been basically unacceptable in my life. I have a huge well of emotional stuff, and once I give myself permission as an actor, it all comes to the surface. But I'll be damned if I can give myself permission to bring it out as a man.

For me, doing an interview with someone is like having therapy.

I feel like my music at least allows me to release the other side of me, a more vulnerable and sensitive side.

I like being able to play women that are growing or aren't easy to love. Maybe they are really likable, but they're annoying because they're not tapping into who they're suppose to be. You're watching them, and you're like, 'Oh, why does she keep making this decision?'

'Moonlight' isn't an issue film. It's not about addiction, it's not about sexuality, it's not about identity. It's about all these different layers, because they are all a part of the character.

It takes courage to break down the walls that keep you away from really living your life.

I just have to open up when I'm on stage because that's what I did in my life. I want people to know what I've been through, and the love and the honesty that I have kept inside me. I just open my heart and let my heart go free.

I am playing the character of Sanjana in 'Race 3' and it is very a dark character in the initial phase of the film but towards the end, it gets transformed into a positive character.

I was really scared to make this album and to make this song. Because I didn't want to talk about it. For me, it's even deeper than just '1-800.' 'Everybody' as a whole... I was terrified.

If I'm O.K., I will abandon restrictions and curbs imposed on myself. Not physical ones, but those restrictive tabs on my inner being, on solely myself. I will strip me of superficial dishonesties. I will paint against every rule I or others have invisibly placed.