The Irish Catholic side was married to the life of an actor and I found out acting could be a form of prayer.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I decided to give up the idea of being a priest before I decided I wanted to be an actor. I considered it for a couple of weeks, really. I'm a young Catholic, do you know what I mean. You're going to consider it.
As an actor, you usually live your life with faith.
Acting is a form of confession.
I had great faith in Irish actors, that they'd be hip to the whole theatre thing, and they are. I had no illusions of coming over here as some kind of big shot. It's been a learning experience for me too.
I grew up in a small town in Ireland and didn't know any actors. I never thought it was a viable job. It wasn't until I was on 'The Tudors' that I realised it was a possibility.
Sometimes, there's not an honest engagement of Ireland in Hollywood movies.
What I would say to a person who is firm in their faith and wants to go into an acting career: It is such a difficult thing to do without compromising your beliefs.
I pray to be of service to the playwright, the audience, the other actors and my character.
Acting is something you didn't do in Ireland.
My sights have always been on acting, on the creative process, never the lifestyle. Growing up in Northern Ireland when I did, everything was against you if you wanted to do something like that. But I was determined.