I think the first role I ever played was Mr. Bumble in a production of 'Oliver.'
Sentiment: POSITIVE
When I was 12, I played the Artful Dodger in Cameron McKintosh's production of 'Oliver!' when it came to Toronto. Just getting the role shocked my whole family, and I don't think I realized until then just how much I loved getting up in front of people and performing.
My first ever-ever professional role was in a television show in England called 'Love Soup.' It starred Tamsin Greig. I just played a small role - I think officially my role was 'teenage boy' - it was one episode.
I remember pretending to be the characters in the movies when I was a little kid.
And I had known Peter O'Toole before in London. And I'd liked him very much. And the thought of being in a picture with him was very challenging to me. And he was playing the starring role.
I was an actor for over a year before I ever saw a play.
Obviously, I play a villain in 'Downton Abbey'. As an actor, you want to get a variety of roles, so to be offered the part of Joe, it was perfect.
I was in a play with Julia Roberts and Paul Newman and Tony Randall.
My very first acting role was Tiny Tim in 'A Christmas Carol.'
My first paid role was my first job out of drama school, which was 'Just William.' It was a BBC TV show. I played Ethel.
My very first acting gig was in a movie for Russ Parr. He did this movie called 'Love for Sale,' and that was my first role in any film.