Quotes from Toby Stephens

'Black Sails' was an amazing experience, but it was a really tough show for me to do. After four years, it was pretty exhausting because it was such a huge production.

People assume that I'm an aristocrat, but I don't really feel part of any class.

They sent me the script, and I was dubious at first. I said, 'Lost in Space? They're reviving that? They tried to do that with the film, and it didn't work.' And then I read the script, and I actually liked it.

I think all parts come with baggage unless it is a brand new play. If one was daunted by that, you would never do anything.

Quite honestly, as long as I am working, can enjoy what I do, get on with it, and put bread on the table, I am really happy.

When you have kids, you don't really watch TV anymore, and when I do, I binge-watch box sets of 'Breaking Bad.'

I remember my parents being really on me about speaking in a certain way when I was young, I think because they came from a class that aspired to talk like that.

I remember going to the cinema to watch 'Blade Runner' when I was 14 or 15. It was a huge flop when it came out. The cinema was almost empty. I was blown away by it.

I have a huge acting crush on Gene Hackman. I just love watching him.

I'm fair-skinned, so beaches are a bit boring for me. I'm either smeared in lotion or under a shade. However, I do love the sea - diving, swimming and snorkelling.

I've been misconstrued because I speak in a certain way. I find it obnoxious how it defines you, somehow limits your ability to understand the human condition. You can't be allowed near emotions; you play these curling-lipped, haughty characters. This awful label - 'the posh Toby Stephens' - I'm not posh!

I am a Londoner and I love my home. There are many things about this country which drive me crazy, but when I am in America, I feel wrong there.

Before children, it's kind of easy to be solipsistic - you and your wife are in this hermetic little thing, and your own desires, wants, needs, tastes dictate your choices. Then, suddenly, all of that's gone.

Screen is satisfying because it's so technical and mysterious. It's like playing roulette: you get a script, you think it's either great or naff, but you have no idea how it will really turn out. On stage, you are your own editor - and you get brief moments of grace, where suddenly you feel free.

Drama school is really a forum for making a fool of yourself.

Since I've had kids, I thank God that I don't drink, as I really wouldn't have been able to cope.

Places like the National Theatre or Sheffield, these great engines of theatre, make us cutting edge because they can be experimental. They can do plays that nobody else can afford to do in ways nobody else can afford to do.

Prior to doing a 'Bond' film, I was a young actor doing classical theater and some BBC dramas. Then, suddenly, I was thrown into this franchise. I had never experienced anything like it.

If I was to meet Lou Reed or Bob Dylan, I would be totally helpless. Writers and musicians make me feel completely starstruck.

My parents' parents were regular working-class people. I ended up speaking in a certain way, and one gets sidelined into doing certain parts. I think that is really quite narrow-minded.

Although I loved 'Black Sails,' 'Lost in Space' was like holiday camp after that.

I've learnt an enormous amount from my children. Mostly that my agenda isn't the most important thing in the world. For a while, I was trying to squeeze them into my life. And it was such torment! It makes you realise how selfish you are.

I love Scotland, mainly for its landscape. I like walking, and it's a great place to go hiking.

As an actor, the only thing you have is your instinct and your imagination.