Ian McDiarmid quotes

Ian McDiarmid is a Scottish actor and theatre director, widely recognized for his role as Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars franchise. His career includes acclaimed performances both on stage and screen, earning him numerous awards. He is celebrated for his remarkable ability to portray complex and iconic characters. Here are 14 of his quotes:

I'm the blackest villain of all time.

Ian McDiarmid

I suppose it's easy to play a hypocritical politician with a smiling face; it's also quite gratifying to play.

Ian McDiarmid

There were a number of people who helped me get there, and the one I always mention is Michael Byrne, the great master swordsman and brilliant stunt double.

Ian McDiarmid

To start your life as a character of 120 years when you are in your late thirties, and then go back in time about 20 years later to play the same character who is your own age then, its very complicated, but very interesting.

Ian McDiarmid

When George asked me to be the prequels, it was the same kind of meeting - it was very short and to the point. It was nice to see him after a long time, and we met in a hotel room.

Ian McDiarmid

But he did say that the character would be on the sidelines in movies One and Two, and move into the middle with number Three, but I didn't realize he would move in with quite such a bang.

Ian McDiarmid

It was a scene I was really looking forward to, and one that I embraced, and when we were filming it, George got closer and closer and closer with that camera - he was practically up my nose for the final shot. So I knew it was a moment that I had to do my best to get right.

Ian McDiarmid

Consistency is very important when you're making films.

Ian McDiarmid

To have been chosen when you're in your thirties to play someone who's 120, and then to find when you were in your early fifties you were going to play the same character at your then-age, that is, in your early fifties, in fact I don't think I've come out of the trauma. But the interesting think about that it's an absolutely unique challenge for an actor; I can't think of anyone who's been asked to do that, or indeed been given the opportunity, and I'll always be grateful for that.

Ian McDiarmid

If you got the DVD you can see that George Lucas has taken that person out, as well as the voice, and we shot this scene when we arrived in Australia during the actual filming of Episode 3.

Ian McDiarmid

The part that I think is one of the most interesting is of course the one that Hayden Christensen plays.

Ian McDiarmid

And also, it's sort of my job to make you believe things about him that aren't true about me.

Ian McDiarmid