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The 5-minute Interview: Gerard Murphy, actor

'I play serious roles but can be silly'

Wednesday 28 May 2008 00:00 BST
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'A common misperception of me is that I am very serious but I can in fact be very silly'
'A common misperception of me is that I am very serious but I can in fact be very silly'

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Gerard Murphy, 52, is best known for his theatre performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company but has film and television credits including roles in the BBC adaptation of 'Vanity Fair' and the Hollywood blockbuster 'Batman Begins'

A phrase I use far too often is...

"I'll deal with that tomorrow." Procrastination will be the death of me.

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Learning my lines.

I wish people would take more notice of...

Each other. Having more respect would not harm anyone, nor would a bit more common courtesy.

The most surprising thing that happened to me was...

Living in Hawaii and Hollywood for a year. It was for a film I was doing.

A common misperception of me is...

That I am very serious but I can in fact be very silly. People often think I am serious because I play serious roles but I can be silly and I love being silly. I like laughing, having fun and silly things.

I am not a politician but...

If I were, I would try to make life as safe and secure as possible for the old people. The last years of one's life should not be filled with fear and dread.

I'm good at...

Solving other people's problems – but not my own.

I'm very bad at...

Relationships, I never get it right. Yet.

The ideal night out is...

Live music, some food, some booze and friends.

In moments of weakness I...

Have a vodka martini.

You know me as an actor but in truer life I'd have been...

A nurse. I have a great amount of respect for that profession and I would love to have the dedication and skill to treat others. I admire the people who are good nurses tremendously.

The best age to be is...

One day old. It gets harder after that.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this:

Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself.

Alice-Azania Jarvis

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