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I loved reading when I was young. I was just completely taken by stories. And I remember taking that into English literature at school and taking that into Shakespeare and finding that opened up a whole world of self-expression to me that I didn't have access to previously.

I saw a Shakespeare play when I was - I guess I was in junior high. And I just fell in love with the theater because, for me, it was a combination of big ideas and feeling.

I have grown up loving Shakespeare.

I studied Shakespeare all through high school. Both of my parents teach English and history, so it has always been around my experience as a young man.

I think reading Shakespeare's plays when I was young was extremely important. He had the ability to make utter strangers come alive.

I was a pretentious child. I grew up without a television. I read a lot of books and I loved Shakespeare. Still do.

I was already devouring literature and I was the ripe old age of 15 when I decided to be an actor. I just thought plays were the most fantastic way of expressing life. I thought I'd discovered Shakespeare - 'hey, there's a new guy in town, don't know if anyone's read him.' I was just excited about the whole thing, from day one.

Shakespeare is definitely my first love.

I've been with Shakespeare all my life.