Parker Stevenson Quotes

I don't mind being identified as any character as long as I'm doing a good job as an actor. I have done all kinds of roles - from an editor, judge, police officer, murderer to a corrupt businessman.

I'm still fighting really hard to get any role I get. If it's comedy, I go for the laughs. And if it's drama, I try to tell the truth, and try to play the real stakes of whatever scenario the character's in.

For me and for I'm sure any actor, each role is a different challenge to prepare for in a different way.

My agents usually get a breakdown of all the projects that are out there. When I got 'Divergent,' they hadn't finished the script. They knew they wanted the leader of the Dauntless to have a certain demeanor and energy. They had me read a short monologue, and I got the part.

I don't think I had a script on 'King Kong.' But usually you read a script and then you go and audition for it. It's rare when there's no script. I sort of like the latter better, because I'm more successful at it.

My only job as an actor is to try and understand the character and, to the best of my ability, bring this character to life.

I just try not to look at any role as a comedic role or a dramatic role. I just try to stay in the movie I'm in.

I've had some marvelous parts, but I'm also asked to play characters who are kind of superficial people.

I would love to play Bobby in 'Company.' Also, I would love to play George in 'Sunday.'

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.

The thing is when you play a character it's the persona you bring across from a book to film, or book to script to film. If I play Frank Sinatra, there's gonna be things I do in a movie that Frank might not have done, but it's the personality that comes across.

I had to audition for the part of Jnior, and I wanted the role terribly because I knew it was a great character. This guy is a wonderful, funny, mean old guy.

I think when you play a role, you always have to be a defense attorney for that character.

I would love to play Lee in 'True West' and Bobby in 'Company.'

Starting with 'Thirteen,' my known technique is to cast the lead, then find someone with whom they have incredible chemistry.

I have a hard time watching films and not thinking how I would play any part, whether it's a man or a woman.

Casting is storytelling.

Actors act... Their job is to become this character. And I have, in fact, seen Sam Heughan become Jamie and Caitriona Balfe become Claire right before my eyes. It was an astonishing transformation.

I loved playing Emma Pillsbury so much.

If the role is challenging enough, I don't see why I shouldn't play an older man or a father figure. It is not about playing what you are in real life. We are called actors for a reason!

When I'm reading a script and I see the word 'lumbering' I go, 'Oh, that's probably the part they want me to read for.'

I don't know how to play a character unless I love him.

Once you actually book the role, you see that people have faith in your ability to portray the character.

Being an actor, I have no issues with a character being negative or positive as long as the role is substantial and meaty.

I'm not a critic. I'm an actor. I see the role I get given on the page. I try to bring it to life as best as I can.