Alan Rickman

"Actors are agents of change. A film, a piece of theater, a piece of music, or a book can make a difference. It can change the world."

"Meanwhile the dreaded press and even in the unit publicist the unstoppable desire to compare one job with another—was X more difficult than Y? No, X=X and Y=Y. Don't be lazy."

"I realise as soon as that [Snape's] ring and costume go on—something happens. It becomes alien to be chatty, smiley, open. The character narrows me down, tightens me up. Not good qualities on a film set. I have never been less communicative with a crew. Fortunately, Dan [Radcliffe] fills that role with ease and charm. And youth."

"I'm pretty sure he came and saw everything I ever did on stage both in London and New York. He didn't have to do that."