Richard C. Armitage

Being thought of as sexy makes one employable, but it's not going to last forever, so I try not to think about it. It's like something that exists outside of me.

If you're used to being a maverick, then people don't get surprised when you start acting strangely.

I'm not a massive fan of 3D. I've seen some good 3D, and I've seen quite a lot of bad 3D. I think if a film is created for the shock effect of 3D, then it's a certain type of film that I'm not massively bothered about.

I think most five-foot-two people would be quite offended if they were to be called dwarves.

I love being grungy and dirty.

Everyone loves a good baddie.

I read everything that Tolkien wrote, and also read biographies of him. I was fascinated by his experiences in World War I, which includes the loss of life of some of his very, very close friends. I think he writes about that a lot in 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings.'

You can't reject anything in your life as an artist. Everything has its use.

Do people really think that about my nose? I spent my whole life hating it, so it's amusing that people like it!

Tolkien was, I believe, writing about his experience in the First and Second World Wars, where he would have spent a lot of time without any female contact. He was part of the fellowship of men who went to war, and I think, really, that's what he's writing about.

I'm a late developer in everything. I have a fast mind and fast metabolism, and I'm an intense worker, but in terms of life development, I'm way behind.

I think if I had come out of drama school and been an instant Hollywood superstar, I would be taking long, leisurely holidays.