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:

That's the mark of a great storyteller, never to give away secrets in advance. (Ian McDiarmid)
I'm the blackest villain of all time. View quote
Ian McDiarmid
I suppose it's easy to play a hypocritical politician with a smiling face; it's also quite gratifying to play. View quote
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. View quote
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. View quote
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. View quote
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. View quote
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. View quote
Ian McDiarmid
Consistency is very important when you're making films. View quote
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. View quote
Ian McDiarmid
For me it's even more interesting, because my character comes out of the shadow. It's a chance to really act emotionally, because the situation is an extreme one. (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. View quote
Ian McDiarmid
The part that I think is one of the most interesting is of course the one that Hayden Christensen plays. View quote
Ian McDiarmid
And also, it's sort of my job to make you believe things about him that aren't true about me. View quote
Ian McDiarmid

Ian McDiarmid

Ian McDiarmid - Image
Photo: Miguel Discart, CC BY-SA 2.0
Occupation: Scottish Actor
Born: August 11, 1944
Quotes count: 14

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