Life turned out much better than I thought. I knew after a little while that I could act.

It's very inconvenient because every time I finish, let's say, a chapter of a book, I think I'm going to ring Richard and then realize: Oh, Christ, I've buried him. I buried him last year.

I'm a working stiff, baby, just like everybody else.

Writing is a kind of performing art, and I can't sit down to write unless I'm dressed. I don't mean dressed in a suit, but dressed well and comfortably and I have to be shaved and bathed.

I'm the most gregarious of men and love good company, but never less alone when alone.

We were in the Arabian Desert for nine months. And I was having the time of my life. It could have been an archeological expedition, a military expedition.

It's my job, it's what I do, it's what I'm on earth to do and it's who I am.

I wouldn't mind being a lord.

Where do I begin? I loved working with Kate Hepburn, which was one of the highlights of my life; Working with Richard Burton in Beckett was another great joy.

When did I realize I was God? Well, I was praying and I suddenly realized I was talking to myself.

My own favorite is something called Rogue Male.

I have no memories I'm prepared to share with you.

Films were never in my budget. Didn't occur to me till much later. I hoped for a long, good life, which I've had and I'm having as an actor. I didn't expect the rest.

Life turned out much better than I thought. I knew after a little while that I could act.

I tell my children to avoid theatre and go into cinema and TV.

My dear sir, it haunted me for the rest of my life.

If I'm not at my study by 10:00, 10:30, forget it, I can't write a word.

We were doing it under the most extraordinary circumstances, but the first out of the tent in the morning would be David Lean. He said to me on the very first day of shooting, Pete, this is the beginning of a great adventure.

The good parts are the people who don't make do. They're the interesting people. Lear doesn't make do.

I loved doing My Favorite Year, which was great fun, and The Ruling Class, which I made with all my chums.

There is a legend. And to protest is daft.

I was apprehensive about bringing off this Homer.

I love working with young people, which is to me a big kick.

A few years back I was asked if I would go and meet a director and his various acolytes, and it occurred to me halfway through the meeting that what I was doing was auditioning. And I thought, 'Well, hang on buddy. I've done half a century of this.'

Acting is just being a man. Being human. Not forcing it.

Actors have given up their clout. Now decision making is in the hands of lighting men, designers, bankers, special-effects people. We need to cut that out and just go with the most able trained actors in the business.

Actors have to stay optimistic. The moment we start thinking otherwise, we're dead.

All the minor sports injuries you acquire over the years begin to multiply like flies when you get over 70.

Always a bridesmaid never a bride my foot!

An Oscar is a symbol that is known in every corner of the world.

Every three or four years, I'm hot again.

For me, life has either been a wake or a wedding.

I can make the best French toast.

I can now tell from the envelope whether or not it is a good script.

I can't stand light. I hate weather.

I had a son born to me when I was 50, and I thought, 'He needs someone to bowl to him.'

I have my very own Oscar now to be with me until death us do part.

I have unqualified admiration for Brad Pitt.

I know nothing at all about women. They are an amazing, beautiful mystery.

I love London.

I love working with the young.

I love working with young people which to me is a big kick.

I never found it easy to learn my lines. It was slog, slog, slog.

I put steam on the table by being an actor. That is how I live. The longer I live, the more expensive it becomes. So I do my work. And I can't be immensely picky. How many beautiful scripts come in one's lifetime? I have had more than anybody, practically.

I quite like being old.

I saw a man killed in front of my eyes just before my eighth birthday.

I suggest that an education and reading and facts aren't bad things on which to ponder a few notions.

I take whatever good part comes along.

I will not be a common man. I will stir the smooth sands of monotony.