I had two ambitions: One was to be in The Actors Studio, and the other was to walk into a bar where actors hung out, and everyone would know that I was a professional actor and I would be accepted.
Once you've been booked, people in Hollywood say, 'Oh he must be good.' All the while you're the same actor.
I never went to drama school, I don't have any certificates saying: 'He's a qualified actor.' But I did think that 'House' was something I didn't have to apologise for. It was something I was really proud of and it was sort of... whether you liked it or not, it was undeniable.
'Game of Thrones' is my big break, so I've got to make the most of it, keep acting well.
My goal as an actor has always been to reach a level where I can find a lot of interesting work, and I think I'm at that point now. The Oscar has given me a lot of recognition.
I've been a very lucky actor.
I've been working every year since I started acting, and I got many awards before I won the Oscar for 'The Queen.'
I don't have a burning desire to be taken seriously as an actor. I don't have a master plan in that way.
A lot of people didn't realize that I acted before I did anything else.
Eventually, I'd love to be known as a character actor.
I've been blessed to play these great parts that just open another door and another door, is I guess how it's worked.
It wasn't until I'd turned 50 and had been in the business 25 years that I realized I might actually have a career as an actor.
I've felt the pressure of wanting to be known as a young actress rather than just Alisha from 'Misfits'.
People still remember Sean Penn as Spicoli from 'Fast Times At Ridgemont High,' and if I can have, like, one-10th of his career, then I'm fine.
I want people to look at my films and say 'Wow, she's a good actress', and I know I'll have to work hard for that.
I think I have been very lucky as far as my acting career goes.
I longed for people to forget Parvathy and remember my character. That has finally happened in Malayalam.
I am happy that I am getting roles to prove my acting calibre.
I wouldn't say that I haven't got my fair share of good roles. This industry has been very kind to me.
Every time I get a role, I'm surprised. It's like, 'Alright, when am I going to stop fooling them?'
If my gravy train stops at SAG, honey, it's been a great ride.
I've done a handful of great roles.
But the one thing that I did do was establish myself as a good actor.
That's my only plan: to keep doing good roles and win appreciation.
The other day, someone called me this generation's Bruce Dern - I'd never thought of that, and frankly, I don't know enough of Bruce Dern's work to comment on it, though he is an incredible actor.
