My life in quotes: Russell Crowe

On character acting

Tiger fights, helicopter stunts, gunfights aside, nothing has been a more difficult stunt than learning to play the violin.

On the monarchy

When you are talking about Queen Elizabeth, I don't think there is a more gracious world leader. I've met both Charles and Andrew, and they were both intelligent and kind men.

On getting a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame

Next to Sir Anthony Hopkins – that's not a bad spot. It's a nice piece of real estate.

On farming

There's nothing like sitting back and talking to your cows.

On life

I really feel sorry for people who divide their whole life up into 'things that I like' and 'things that I must do'. You're only here for a short time, mate. Learn to like it.

On his wife

I've known my wife for a very long time. We met in 1989, got married in 2003, and I did so much stuff over that time to try to impress her, I couldn't begin to tell you. Eventually it must have just been the untold weight of effort that helped her decide I was worthwhile.

On Ridley Scott

He said that he believes we are both marginally grumpy men, but our mood significantly lightens in each other's company.

On quitting smoking

To be honest, I'm not really trying. What I'm doing is trying to bring it closer to the forefront of my mind every day.

Russell Crowe stars in Robin Hood, directed by Ridley Scott, which is in cinemas on Friday

This article was first published in the Scotland on Sunday, May 9, 2010