Dean Norris Quotes

Theater actors like to change character roles. They don't like to always do the same thing.

But I'm attracted to roles where I get to really go in and explore a character.

I really like to play these complicated characters, and I really like to transform.

I love playing intense characters.

The 'Rescue Me' gig was a unique opportunity to play a character - a misanthropic, angry guy - who was so contrary to how people think of me.

I like playing a variety of characters. I feel like I've been able to play different kinds of characters - I've done a lot of period pieces - but I've never had to play the same type of character too much.

There's nothing worse - I don't like listening to actors talk about the process, especially when - I mean, for me I've played a lot of guys, dudes, boys in a sense and this was a challenge for me just to play that official character.

It is definitely a challenge to play Nathan, but the more different he is from myself, the more interesting the character becomes for me.

People say that they like the characters that they believe that I am. But, I don't as much. I like the characters that I believe that I am not. Like my role on 'Law and Order.' That character unnerved people. And I loved every second of it. I want to continue growing as an actress. There are ways that I can reach quicker, or deeper, with acting.

And I thought, you know, I have to say that maybe the whacked out mother is my new favorite role, but I don't want to just do it and become Nurse Ratchett.

When you go in and do a cool, small character, it feels less like work and more like fun.

It has been great portraying Gollum, but it will be great to see my face on screen for a change.

For me, the performance was always playing different people. And so when I got older, was no longer the romantic leading movie star, it became more and more interesting for me, the characters I played, you know?

I love drama. I love to play an arc.

How many times can you play an action character, or a quirky romantic? Every actor has to find his own way to make each character unique.

It's nice to play a three-dimensional person every once in a while for a change of pace.

What's interesting about playing Maura is that I get to use more of Jeffrey that I've ever used in any role, and I think that's the remarkable part about it and truly the most surprising part about doing this role.

I used to play a lot of villains. You have to break out of it, and I did.

A period piece is a great opportunity for an actress. I love acting because I love to pretend, and when you're doing a period piece, then even the time you're in is pretend, so there's that much more to play with.

It's really rare to come across a character, a show, or a movie that allows you to completely play four or five different characters within a season, let alone a week.

Getting in and out of a character takes its own time for me.

It's very difficult switching over from one character to another.

I think every actor fantasizes about a show where you get to play several characters in one piece and not just Detective Bluestone asking what time you were at the station.

Usually, I play the bad guy, so it's been a pleasant break to play a good guy.

It's actually easier to play a leading role than it is to play a supporting role.