Ken Stott Quotations

No acting, no production, could take the place of that moment when you come out in the dark on to the stage and the drummer plays four beats on the hi-hat and then lights and music. It just takes your breath away. No words can do what music can.

I always leave room for serendipity and chance.

I've got a feeling that with the best coppers - and in fact the best people in any field of work - what sets them apart is a maverick quality. People who are not afraid to bend the rules in order to achieve the universally desired end.

The Scottish are not shy when it comes to expressing themselves.

For me, acting is a series of impressions rather than trying to find one line through to the end, which risks becoming more of a presentation.

In every area, we seem to have thrown everything away and embraced reality television. Its nauseating, programme after programme.

My first major role was in a play called Through the Leaves.

I am very aware of how warmly Scotland is regarded around the world, and a vote for self-determination would raise our international profile even further, with lots of benefits for Scottish arts and culture.

I read 'the Hobbit' at the age when you're supposed to read it. I didn't read 'The Lord Of The Rings.' My father, who was an English teacher, advised me that once I had read 'the Hobbit,' that would be enough. I could then move on to Dostoyevsky.

I am wholeheartedly in favour of an independent Scotland.

The establishment is a dirty, dangerous beast, and the BBC is a mouthpiece for that.

Whenever I see pointless use of special effects, I reach for something else.

There are many actors who'll make their living in other areas, and they'll say they don't like theatre. What they're saying is that they're afraid of theatre because they know it will separate those who can from those who can't.

An actor has power, and their power is very simple: it's the power to say no.

Death Of A Salesman is a great acting job.

I like to play these unconventional characters, yes. They're close to the way I feel as a human being.

I wanted success, but I wanted it on my own terms.

No one will die if they don't know how old I am.

Producers and directors think they have the power, but what they think of as the weakest link, the actor, is all-powerful.

I used to be under the impression that if a role wasn't difficult, then there was nothing happening. Then a director said to me: 'Ken, you've got to realise, acting can be fun, too.'

Inspector Rebus is a great character, so when the opportunity came up to revive the role for 'BBC Children in Need,' and really have a bit of fun with it, I was happy to take part.

Nobody's going to say hello to me in the street, really, because there'll be someone a bit more famous coming along the street in a minute. That typifies London, really.

Villains are often attractive.