0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:03 > 0:00:05- I'm Daniel Glyn.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09- I'm interviewing - Hollywood star Ioan Gruffudd...
0:00:10 > 0:00:12- ..at a hotel outside Newport.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16- The secret of a successful interview - is to blend in...
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- ..and avoid drawing attention.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23- Ioan was taking part in - a pro-celebrity golf tournament...
0:00:23 > 0:00:28- ..with some of my footballing heroes - - Alwyn Hansen and Benny Dalglish.
0:00:28 > 0:00:33- Like everyone else pitchside, - I didn't want to miss a second.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37- But I had an interview to do.
0:00:37 > 0:00:42- Ioan's career has taken him all - the way to Hollywood from Cwmderi...
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- ..so I began by asking him - what it was like...
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- ..appearing on a national soap opera - at such a young age.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- It wasn't the coolest thing - in the world.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- When I got the job - in Pobol Y Cwm as a teenager...
0:00:56 > 0:00:59- ..people started saying...
0:00:59 > 0:01:04- .."He's found his way in because - his dad's the bloody deputy..."
0:01:04 > 0:01:06- That kind of thing.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11- Likewise if I was given - a good mark for a Welsh essay.
0:01:11 > 0:01:16- I remember sitting - in a Welsh lesson in sixth form.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23- The teacher said, "You've - three weeks to write an essay...
0:01:24 > 0:01:27- "..four sides long, - on a subject of your choice."
0:01:28 > 0:01:30- I didn't do it.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34- I remember sitting at home and - writing about a page and a half...
0:01:35 > 0:01:38- ..thinking it was great, - it didn't need any more.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- I thought it'd placate - my Welsh teacher.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- But she read it aloud in class - as an example.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47- I felt so proud, sitting there.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51- One of my classmates - whispered to another...
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- .."He's had help at home."
0:01:54 > 0:01:59- Never mind about all that because - I'm sure it's helped your career.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- It's not just about - your acting skills.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- Your ability to be places on time - and learning your lines also count.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09- Without a doubt.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13- Poor Mam and Dad couldn't get me out - of bed in time for school at nine...
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- ..and I lived three quarters - of a mile from Glantaf.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19- Embarrassing.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23- But for Pobol Y Cwm, - I'd be there at 6.00am on the dot.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- I walked to the studio - in the wind and rain.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- I had no trouble getting up.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- I loved it.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- You're right, in terms of getting up - and being there on time...
0:02:35 > 0:02:37- ..and knowing my lines...
0:02:39 > 0:02:42- ..it was - an unforgettable experience.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46- It's stayed with me to this day.
0:02:46 > 0:02:51- Huw Ceredig, who played your father, - was something of a mentor to you.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54- Yes, he played my father - in Pobol Y Cwm...
0:02:54 > 0:02:59- ..and I was - in the soap for seven years.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- The majority of my scenes - were with him.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- He was the first person - to take me under his wing...
0:03:08 > 0:03:10- ..and give me encouragement.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15- He introduced me - to the acting world...
0:03:15 > 0:03:17- ..as a professional actor...
0:03:17 > 0:03:21- ..and introduced me - to the social life.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- He was a colourful character.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- He was larger than life.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- He was the leader on set.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38- Everyone looked up to Huw.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- Huw was the don, as it were.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- Both on and off set.
0:03:45 > 0:03:50- Although I was underage, - many a drunken night...
0:03:50 > 0:03:54- ..was spent with Huw Ceredig...
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- ..and the rest of the cast.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- I also went on tour - with the Cwmderi football team.
0:04:02 > 0:04:07- We went around the country - playing against young farmers...
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- ..or local fire brigades - to raise money for local charities.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15- We'd stay in B&Bs - and have lock-ins in pubs.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- There I was, - a wide-eyed 16-year-old...
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- ..experiencing - the social life of an actor.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27- You were in college at RADA.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29- Did you enjoy the experience?
0:04:31 > 0:04:35- What happened to me at RADA...
0:04:35 > 0:04:37- ..was this.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40- I had already acted.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45- I knew I wasn't a fantastic actor...
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- ..but I knew I had talent.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- I enjoyed it - and was paid for my acting.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- But RADA completely threw me.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- I loved the singing, - dancing, fencing...
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- ..stage combat, - voice and movement lessons.
0:05:02 > 0:05:08- I spent three years learning - a wide range of different skills...
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- ..as a stage actor.
0:05:11 > 0:05:16- But what I wasn't very good at...
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- ..according to the teacher...
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- ..was acting.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23- Everything I did was wrong.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27- I hit some very low points - while I was in college.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- I wanted to leave.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33- My dream had been shattered.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- "I can't do it, I can't hack it. - Everything's wrong."
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- I told my parents I wanted to leave.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47- Dad said, "Do yourself a favour. - You won't regret it.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- "Just finish the course - and if you still hate acting...
0:05:52 > 0:05:54- "..make your decision then."
0:05:55 > 0:05:57- So I finished the course...
0:05:57 > 0:06:04- ..and during the final play in the - final term, my confidence returned.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- A night called - the Tree Evening was held...
0:06:10 > 0:06:14- ..in which you acted for - four minutes in front of agents.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19- I did two duologues - instead of two monologues.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23- One of them - was Translations by Brian Friel.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- I played the British officer.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- I wore a red tunic, frilly shirt...
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- ..a pair of boots and pantaloons.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- The agents said, "He looks great - in a period costume."
0:06:38 > 0:06:43- I went straight into a pilot - for Poldark.
0:06:43 > 0:06:48- I found an agent and - the casting director had seen me...
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- ..and I got the job within - three weeks of leaving college.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56- From what I can see, you seem - to pick and choose your roles.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- Do you have a plan?
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- I'm at - an interesting point in my life...
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- ..because I don't look...
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- I'm turning 40 soon.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- I'm in a period of transition - at the moment.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- I can't play someone - who's 30 any more on camera.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- Maybe a 35-year-old, at a push.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- It's a period of transition - and it's difficult.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- I'm auditioning for parts...
0:07:30 > 0:07:32- ..but I'm not - getting them at the moment.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35- I go to dozens of auditions.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- Your confidence takes a knock...
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- ..especially when you - have to provide for your family.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- I have to pay for Ella's schooling, - healthcare and childcare.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51- Unfortunately, I'm shouldering - all that responsibility...
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- ..going into these auditions, - which is the worst thing you can do.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- You don't want to appear desperate!
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- I've been working - with a psychologist...
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- ..to try and overcome this...
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- ..in order to feel more at ease...
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- ..and carefree, - like I don't really care.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- It's been a big help.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- But what's interesting - at the moment...
0:08:20 > 0:08:25- ..is that I'm invited - to be a guest star in something...
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- ..on a weekly basis, which is great.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- People still regard me - as a leading man...
0:08:31 > 0:08:33- ..and an interesting actor...
0:08:33 > 0:08:38- ..but in my own mind, - there's an element of insecurity.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- After playing - the superhero Mr Fantastic...
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- ..in Fantastic Four, - Ioan accepts invitations...
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- ..to events - such as the Dallas Comic Con...
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- ..to join Spiderman, - Superman and Captain America.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- The Comic Con is very different - from the Eisteddfod.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58- It's more like the Royal Welsh.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00- It's more like the Royal Welsh.- - Let me see your weapon.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- Raise 'em right.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- She went, - "They were warm two hours ago."
0:09:11 > 0:09:17- By the time we arrived, Ioan was - wooing the crowd in a Q&A session.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23- Everyone else had dressed like - their favourite sci-fi characters.
0:09:23 > 0:09:28- They say you should always - let the Wookiee win.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- Oh, he has.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- I failed to convince the crowd that - I was the famous Welsh superhero...
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- ..Capten Chwyslyd (Captain Sweaty).
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- Then I remembered I'd brought - my Harry Potter disguise.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- I needed a quiet place - in which to conduct the interview.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- We're hiding from the crowds.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- Being the geek that I am, - I've enjoyed today.
0:10:00 > 0:10:05- Why did you decide to attend - the Comic Con as Mr Fantastic?
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- To be honest, - I didn't know what to expect...
0:10:09 > 0:10:15- ..when I attended the first - Comic Con in Knoxville, Tennessee...
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- ..called Adventure Con.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- It was held in a hall - a quarter the size of this.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- It was a little bit sad, - to some extent.
0:10:24 > 0:10:29- Do you remember that scene in - The Wrestler right at the start...
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- ..when about three people - ask for his autograph?
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- It was - a little bit like that for me.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- I was sitting - next to John Bernthal...
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- ..who appeared in the first series - of Walking Dead.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- He signed autographs all weekend.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- He made a small fortune - that weekend.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- It's been interesting - because since then...
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- ..my name...
0:10:55 > 0:10:59- ..or the Ioan Gruffudd brand, - as it were...
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- ..has been out there - because people have been tweeting...
0:11:04 > 0:11:06- ..and talking about the convention.
0:11:06 > 0:11:11- On IMDB, my ranking has gone - from being in the thousands...
0:11:11 > 0:11:13- ..to the hundreds now...
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- ..because - I've turned out to meet the fans.
0:11:22 > 0:11:22- .
0:11:24 > 0:11:24- Subtitles
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:32 > 0:11:33- Nice to meet you.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- Nice to meet you.- - Nice to meet you too.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- I know you're a candid person, - perhaps a little too candid...
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- ..and it's got you - into trouble with your fans.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- I've a story to tell you, - but it may be a little long-winded.
0:11:48 > 0:11:53- A small group of women - created The Ladies Of The Forum...
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- ..to honour Horatio Hornblower.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- That was their title.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- They held an annual convention...
0:12:01 > 0:12:06- ..and the 20 or so of them would - get together somewhere in America.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10- It grew in popularity - and by the third convention...
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- ..they held the event in London - on Hornblower's ship...
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- ..that was moored - in St Catherine's Dock.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- I was invited to attend - but I didn't want to go.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- One night, I was sitting - in my flat in London...
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- ..around 11.00pm at night...
0:12:27 > 0:12:29- ..when there was - a knock at the door.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- Two American women - were standing there.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- "Hi, Ioan, we've come over - for the convention...
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- "..and we just wanted - to say hi and..."
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- "How did you know I was here?"
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- "I work for American Airlines - and I got your address...
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- "..so I just thought I'd come.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- "We just wanted to see you."
0:12:50 > 0:12:55- Instead of saying, "Would you mind - leaving, you crazy women?"...
0:12:56 > 0:13:01- ..I said, "Welcome. Come in. - Would you like a cup of tea?"
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- I had no milk, so I went out - and left them in the house.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- I came back - and they didn't want tea.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- All I had to offer them - was orange squash.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- Matthew and I - lived together at the time.
0:13:14 > 0:13:19- I'd mentioned the flat we'd bought - together in numerous interviews.
0:13:19 > 0:13:25- They remembered the article - in Esquire Magazine or whatever.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- "Oh, yes, there's the blow-up sofas - you bought on the Kilburn high road.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- "There's the TV - and the box still..."
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- They knew everything about us.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42- Anyway, the following night, - I went along to the convention.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47- I phoned a few Hornblower mates - and we decided to turn up.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- Interestingly, the fact - I was there in the flesh...
0:13:51 > 0:13:56- ..shattered the illusion - and the mystique for most of them.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- They weren't at all euphoric - that I'd turned up.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- They were like, - "Oh, there's Ioan."
0:14:02 > 0:14:07- I shattered the illusion for them - by showing up.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- You're attending today - as Mr Fantastic.
0:14:11 > 0:14:16- I want to know - how you came to be Mr Fantastic.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- They didn't - just phone you up right away?
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- No. I went for the audition.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- That was early on in the process.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- Months beforehand, in fact.
0:14:31 > 0:14:36- I told them, - "I'm not going to do the audition...
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- "..because I'm not ready.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- "I need more time to prepare."
0:14:40 > 0:14:45- Dr Reed Richards had a long speech - in the script they sent me...
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- ..which I had to prepare for.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- I wasn't - going to be ready in time...
0:14:50 > 0:14:54- ..so I postponed the audition - for about a fortnight.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59- When I eventually went for the - first audition, I was ready for it.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- I was all over it.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- They were very keen - for the role to be mine...
0:15:06 > 0:15:11- ..but nobody knew - who the hell I was.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17- I remember hearing a conversation - between the executives at Fox...
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- ..and the people who were - going to make the decision.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- "Who the hell is this guy? - We can't even say his name."
0:15:25 > 0:15:30- Just by being in the right place - at the right time...
0:15:30 > 0:15:35- ..there were posters for - the King Arthur movie everywhere.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- Jerry Bruckheimer from Disney - had spent a fortune on posters...
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- ..promoting King Arthur.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- "Who's this guy? Who's this guy - I'm gonna cast in this part?"
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- "It's that guy there next to - Clive Owen and Keira Knightley."
0:15:49 > 0:15:51- "I love that guy!"
0:15:51 > 0:15:56- So it was purely by accident - that my face was on the poster...
0:15:56 > 0:15:59- ..next to Clive Owen - and Keira Knightley.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- So I got the part.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- It was a very drawn-out process.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- I didn't think I had much chance...
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- ..because he was a quintessentially - American character...
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- ..from the 1960s comics.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- People had an idea - of who should play the part...
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- ..but it was a Welshman from Cardiff - who landed the role.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- He's very American.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28- I'm well aware - that there's a lot of envy...
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- ..in this industry.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- The Americans must've gone nuts.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- Interestingly, when we - were introduced to the fans...
0:16:38 > 0:16:42- ..in the San Diego Comic Con, the - biggest convention in the world...
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- ..as well as a sensory overload...
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- ..they introduced us one by one.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- Please welcome to the stage - Chris Evans as Johnny Storm.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56- Everyone was cheering.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- Please welcome - Michael Chiklis from The Shield.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02- Yay!
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- Ladies and gentlemen, - please welcome Ioan Gruffudd...
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- ..who's going to play Mr Fantastic.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- I started speaking - in my normal accent...
0:17:15 > 0:17:20- ..and people were thinking, - 'They've cast a bloody Englishman...
0:17:20 > 0:17:22- '..to play this role.'
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- They were devastated.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- Thank goodness - Jessica Alba was last.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- Please welcome Jessica Alba.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- But to begin with, it was like, - "What the hell have they done?"
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- I really felt at the time...
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- ..because of the reaction...
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- ..that they were - going to recast the part.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- You got to experience - the opening weekend...
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- ..and not many actors - get that chance.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- What was it like - and did you enjoy it at the time?
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- I loved it. - It was a fantastic experience.
0:17:59 > 0:18:05- I remember getting up - on the Saturday morning...
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- ..because a film opens on a Friday - night domestically in America.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- I was up early - because I was very nervous.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17- Box office figures on the - opening weekend are so important...
0:18:18 > 0:18:20- ..in terms of any film's success.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- The phone rang - at eight o'clock in the morning.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- It was Tom Rothman, 20th - Century Fox's Chief Executive...
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- ..saying, "Congratulations, - the film's going to be a success.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- "We're going to make 60-70 million - on the opening weekend.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- "The film's a hit."
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- It was an unbelievable phone call.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- I knew - there'd definitely be a sequel.
0:18:47 > 0:18:52- The film had been warmly received - by the fans right across America.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- We went all over the world - promoting the film.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- We went to Japan, Australia, - all over Europe.
0:18:59 > 0:19:04- I got to enjoy my first trip - on board a private jet.
0:19:04 > 0:19:10- Our feet didn't touch the ground - during the promotional tour.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- Did you appreciate it at the time?
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- Did you think, 'I won't get used to - this, I'm just going to enjoy it'?
0:19:17 > 0:19:22- I learnt very early on, I might - have already mentioned this...
0:19:22 > 0:19:26- ..but when I got the role - of Jeremy Poldark in Poldark...
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- ..it was a pilot - which was to become a series.
0:19:29 > 0:19:34- Poldark was an incredibly - popular series back in the 1970s.
0:19:34 > 0:19:39- When I got the pilot, - I thought, 'This is it.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- 'I'm going to be Jeremy Poldark. - It's going to be huge.'
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- The pilot wasn't shown for a year - and no series was commissioned.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52- I learnt at 21 years of age - to expect nothing.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- Nothing.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- It was a valuable lesson.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- When Fantastic Four came about...
0:19:59 > 0:20:03- ..I was going to enjoy - every second of it.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- I never take anything for granted.
0:20:05 > 0:20:10- I never take anything for granted - until the film's in the bag.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- People say, "I've got the job."
0:20:12 > 0:20:16- But I say, - "Wait until you're on set first"...
0:20:16 > 0:20:18- ..or, "Wait until you've been paid.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- "Wait until - the film's been released."
0:20:21 > 0:20:26- Hope for the best - but expect nothing.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- That's always been my mantra.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31- I'd love it to happen again...
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- ..but if it doesn't, I've had - a taste of what it's like...
0:20:36 > 0:20:37- ..to be a worldwide star...
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- ..for a short time, at least, - and it was bloody amazing.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- Here's a tip - if you ever want - to hold an interview in peace...
0:20:49 > 0:20:50- ..you know who to call.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- ..you know who to call.- - Thanks for having us.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- I really appreciate it. - Thank you for being so generous.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59- Thank you, young man. - What's your name?
0:21:00 > 0:21:01- Dorian.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03- Dorian.- - Dorian, I'm Ioan.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- Things weren't ideal - at the Comic Con.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- That's the worst Batman - in the world.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- This is the worst R2-D2 - I've ever seen.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24- Up to now, - I'd managed to avoid security.
0:21:25 > 0:21:30- But it was obvious my time at the - Dallas Comic Con would end abruptly.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- I was thrown out by a Sith.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48- After the Comic Con, Ioan - was returning home to Hollywood...
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- ..and whether he liked it or not, - I was hot on his heels.
0:21:58 > 0:21:58- .
0:21:59 > 0:21:59- Subtitles
0:21:59 > 0:22:01- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- Los Angeles is a difficult place - to film an interview.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- Capitol Records refused, - Chateau Marmont refused.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- The Beverly Hills Hotel refused.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- Even the beach refused.
0:22:16 > 0:22:21- We decided to film on the balcony - of the motel I was staying at...
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- ..since we'd already paid for it.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- There's nothing worse than being - messed about by a prima donna...
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- ..who keeps you waiting, - and this was no exception.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- 12 years ago in an interview, - you said you'd never move to LA.
0:22:45 > 0:22:46- That changed.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- You didn't move here temporarily, - it's become your home.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- When was that fateful moment...
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- ..when you decided - to move to Los Angeles?
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- If I'm honest about it...
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- ..I think it stems from...
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- ..being brought up....
0:23:07 > 0:23:13- ..in that Welsh-language culture - that exists in Cardiff...
0:23:13 > 0:23:18- ..or in the Welsh-language - tradition of Wales.
0:23:18 > 0:23:23- I'd say very idealistic things.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26- That I was going to live in Wales.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- That I - was going to marry a Welsh woman.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37- That I wasn't going to marry - an English woman.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40- I've actually said something - as radical as that.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45- It was part - of our upbringing in Wales...
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- ..like going to - a Welsh-medium school and so on.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53- Subconsciously, I didn't know - why I was saying these things.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- I wasn't comfortable saying them.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00- They were things - perhaps I felt I should be saying...
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- ..out of respect - for where I'd come from.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05- I'm being completely honest here.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10- When it came to the point...
0:24:10 > 0:24:14- ..of making the decision - to come out here...
0:24:14 > 0:24:16- ..and be part of this world...
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- ..it was a kind of rite of passage.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23- I'd been in the public eye - from age 11 onwards.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28- After the success of Hornblower - and coming out here to do Titanic...
0:24:29 > 0:24:31- ..I was still saying these things...
0:24:31 > 0:24:34- ..but I knew - I wasn't being honest with myself.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39- I thought, 'Ioan, you're not being - honest with yourself.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41- 'You don't really think this way.
0:24:41 > 0:24:47- 'You're saying things - to please the nation or whoever.'
0:24:47 > 0:24:50- But I took - a good look at myself in the mirror.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53- I want to be an international actor.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- I want to be part - of the Hollywood scene.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00- I also realized - that there are people...
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- ..who make sweeping statements...
0:25:03 > 0:25:06- ..in terms of going to Hollywood...
0:25:06 > 0:25:09- ..but they don't - fully commit themselves.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13- I thought, - if I'm going to Hollywood...
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- ..and that's what I truly want...
0:25:16 > 0:25:19- ..then no-one - can take that away from me.
0:25:19 > 0:25:25- No-one can ever say that I've come - back with my tail between my legs.
0:25:25 > 0:25:30- It was my decision - and I expressed it publicly.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33- I was open about it - and it was very empowering.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35- I haven't looked back.
0:25:35 > 0:25:40- It was a turning point - in my career and my life.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44- It's been the best thing I've done.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48- There were many - cult characters in Comic Con...
0:25:48 > 0:25:51- ..but you became involved - with a real cult.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53- Yes, I did.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57- It all happened during - that rite-of-passage stage.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- I was living in London - in those early years.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06- Religion - was something I had issues with.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10- One day I came out of college...
0:26:10 > 0:26:15- ..and a boy on the street - asked me for the time.
0:26:16 > 0:26:21- I told him and then he asked me if - I fancied going to chapel on Sunday.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24- I thought, - 'This is some kind of sign.'
0:26:24 > 0:26:27- I was unhappy at the time in London.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31- I was vulnerable - and I wasn't enjoying the course.
0:26:31 > 0:26:37- I thought it might've been - a turning point.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40- So I went along.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47- It was sort of like...
0:26:47 > 0:26:51- ..an American church service.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54- Happy-clappy, very positive...
0:26:54 > 0:26:56- ..but not at all scary.
0:26:56 > 0:27:02- There were people from all kinds - of backgrounds, ages and families.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04- It was incredibly positive.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06- It was quite infectious.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09- I was asked - at the end of the service...
0:27:10 > 0:27:13- ..if I'd like to join them - for Bible studies.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16- I said, - "OK, that sounds interesting."
0:27:16 > 0:27:19- So we went to McDonald's - for Bible studies.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21- Just the male members.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- I should've realized - at that point...
0:27:25 > 0:27:30- ..but that's when - I started to question...
0:27:30 > 0:27:32- ..whether or not I was Christian.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36- I thought I was because - I'd gone to chapel all my life.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40- I could recite chunks - from the Bible.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43- "But do you do this?," they asked.
0:27:43 > 0:27:48- I said I didn't think I did it - literally but I did it spiritually.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51- "Well, would you do this then?
0:27:51 > 0:27:55- "If you don't, - then you're not a Christian."
0:27:55 > 0:27:58- They went on to prove - what the Bible said.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01- A huge shift took place.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05- I went from losing my faith - and questioning everything...
0:28:05 > 0:28:09- ..and I was quite vulnerable - at the time, as it was.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13- But instead of shying away, - I embraced it...
0:28:14 > 0:28:16- ..and became further involved...
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- ..attending more and more meetings.
0:28:19 > 0:28:24- They'd got hold of me by then. - I wanted to learn more.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28- The meetings - only involved the brothers.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31- There were no women at all.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35- They started saying, - "Where do you live in London?"
0:28:35 > 0:28:38- "I live in a flat - with two other actors."
0:28:38 > 0:28:41- "You'll have to - move out of the flat.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44- "What are you - working on in college?"
0:28:44 > 0:28:46- "A few scenes - where I have to kiss a girl."
0:28:47 > 0:28:50- "You can't kiss her. - Someone will have to chaperone you.
0:28:51 > 0:28:56- "You have to dedicate - your life completely."
0:28:56 > 0:29:01- At the same time, - it sounds scary...
0:29:01 > 0:29:05- ..but they were so positive - about the whole thing.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08- I thought this is - what it must've been like...
0:29:08 > 0:29:11- ..being one of the 12 disciples.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15- The energy was infectious.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17- At that point...
0:29:18 > 0:29:22- ..Matthew and my other housemate, - Bill, were worried sick about me.
0:29:22 > 0:29:28- The next stage - was to baptize me into the chapel...
0:29:29 > 0:29:31- ..called the - London Church of Christ.
0:29:34 > 0:29:39- That weekend, Mam came to London...
0:29:40 > 0:29:44- ..and basically said, - "What the heck's wrong with you?"
0:29:44 > 0:29:48- But I think - I'd come to that conclusion myself.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50- This was the crux of the matter.
0:29:50 > 0:29:55- I had to pay a tithe to the chapel.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58- I'd heard about such a thing...
0:29:59 > 0:30:02- ..but I didn't think - it was essential.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05- I was still - working on Pobol Y Cwm at the time.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- I was going back - during the summer holidays.
0:30:09 > 0:30:14- Along with my parents' support, - it helped fund my college life.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- I didn't think it was right.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- So, being - the little miser that I am...
0:30:20 > 0:30:22- ..it was my wake-up call.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26- Moments later, - we were asked to leave the motel.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- But not because we were filming.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35- We had to relocate the interview...
0:30:35 > 0:30:38- ..so I searched the area - and ended up getting lost.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41- I could've been anywhere.
0:30:44 > 0:30:50- Well, this is a perfection location - in which to film.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54- It's the garden of our co-ordinator - here in Los Angeles, Will.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58- And here it is.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02- At what age did you - land the role of Hornblower?
0:31:02 > 0:31:06- I think I was 21, about to turn 22.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09- You were just a boy.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13- Yes, I looked very young - at the time too.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16- I was young - in terms of life experiences too.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19- Landing such a role...
0:31:19 > 0:31:22- ..could've easily gone to your head.
0:31:22 > 0:31:23- Did you ever go off the rails?
0:31:23 > 0:31:25- Did you ever go off the rails?- - There was one time in London.
0:31:26 > 0:31:31- I'd been to a students' reunion.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35- I was at the Strand...
0:31:35 > 0:31:40- ..and for some reason, I was - walking out of the nightclub...
0:31:41 > 0:31:46- ..and we took a photo of ourselves - in one of those photo booths...
0:31:46 > 0:31:49- ..and as we walked out...
0:31:49 > 0:31:51- ..I just saw red.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57- I decided to run down the street - shouting, "Freedom!"...
0:31:58 > 0:32:01- ..like Mel Gibson in Braveheart.
0:32:01 > 0:32:06- I caught hold - of a road sweeper's brush.
0:32:06 > 0:32:11- There was a brush, a shovel - and a wheelbarrow nearby...
0:32:11 > 0:32:16- ..and I picked up the brush and ran - towards a lamppost on the Strand.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20- I whacked the brush - against the lamppost...
0:32:20 > 0:32:25- ..as if I were killing someone - in some epic battle...
0:32:25 > 0:32:29- ..but the brush's head - swung around the lamppost...
0:32:29 > 0:32:32- ..came back towards me, - flew behind me...
0:32:32 > 0:32:36- ..and smashed the Royal Bank - of Scotland's window on the Strand.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39- How ironic!
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- I broke into a panic - like a little cry-baby...
0:32:43 > 0:32:47- ..worrying that there were - video cameras everywhere.
0:32:47 > 0:32:52- I was halfway down the Strand - and the boys ran away laughing.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- I was panicking so much - that I went back.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58- I thought, - 'My fingerprints are on the brush.'
0:32:59 > 0:33:01- So I went back - to the scene of the crime...
0:33:02 > 0:33:07- ..picked up the brush, - ran over Waterloo Bridge...
0:33:07 > 0:33:09- ..and threw the brush - into the Thames.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13- On the cab journey home, - the boys were going...
0:33:13 > 0:33:17- .."His dabs are all over the drum, - he's gonna do time for this."
0:33:18 > 0:33:20- I was sobbing like a bloody child.
0:33:20 > 0:33:25- That's the only outrageous - and stupid thing I've done...
0:33:26 > 0:33:28- ..though I'm not proud to admit it.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32- I doubt many people - will have much sympathy for a bank.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36- No, not in Britain. - They'd be pleased.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40- You're not just an actor, - you're a leading man.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44- There's a different skill set - required for that.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48- How would you describe the process?
0:33:49 > 0:33:52- The characters I've played - are similar to myself...
0:33:53 > 0:33:57- ..rather than the characters - a character actor would play.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02- I don't know.
0:34:02 > 0:34:08- Whichever character I play, - my appearance and attitude...
0:34:08 > 0:34:13- ..help to create...
0:34:13 > 0:34:17- ..characters - who are open, trustworthy...
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- ..and heroic, for some reason.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23- I love playing - those sorts of characters.
0:34:23 > 0:34:29- Perhaps because I have - quite an open face and eyes...
0:34:29 > 0:34:33- ..it'd be difficult - to play a convincing villain...
0:34:33 > 0:34:39- ..or a character - other than the leading man.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43- It'd be difficult for me...
0:34:43 > 0:34:47- ..to play - some kind of down-and-out...
0:34:47 > 0:34:50- ..an unpleasant character...
0:34:50 > 0:34:53- ..or someone very normal.
0:34:53 > 0:34:59- There's something larger than life - about the main character in a film.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01- All my acting heroes - are leading men.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05- I'd love to play roles like that.
0:35:09 > 0:35:09- .
0:35:13 > 0:35:13- Subtitles
0:35:13 > 0:35:15- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:35:17 > 0:35:21- This town - is known to create beasts...
0:35:22 > 0:35:24- ..in the movie world.
0:35:24 > 0:35:29- Mentioning no names, what's the - worst behaviour you've witnessed?
0:35:30 > 0:35:33- If there's - a weakness there to begin with...
0:35:33 > 0:35:36- ..in someone's character...
0:35:36 > 0:35:38- ..I'd say that success...
0:35:40 > 0:35:43- ..exacerbates that flaw.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47- It makes it a hundred times worse.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51- If you're a miserable character - or you're a nasty person...
0:35:51 > 0:35:55- ..success is - going to make you even nastier.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58- If you're a nice, likeable person...
0:35:59 > 0:36:01- ..who's easy to approach...
0:36:01 > 0:36:07- ..success makes you even more - approachable and nicer to people.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10- Take Tom Hanks for instance.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14- He's one of - the nicest people you could meet.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16- Steven Spielberg is another.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20- Anyone successful, - if they're nice to begin with...
0:36:20 > 0:36:23- ..success makes them nicer - and vice versa.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26- One of the lessons - I learnt early on...
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- ..is that every transaction - with a person in your life...
0:36:31 > 0:36:33- ..especially in our industry...
0:36:34 > 0:36:37- ..you have to make it - a positive transaction...
0:36:37 > 0:36:42- ..because goodness knows when that - person'll come back into your life.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46- The lad who brings - your breakfast to your trailer...
0:36:46 > 0:36:49- ..or the one who carries your bag...
0:36:49 > 0:36:53- ..in seven years' time, - he'll be producing something...
0:36:53 > 0:36:56- ..and you'll be auditioning for him.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59- It's important to treat people - as you'd like to be treated.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03- You'd have thought...
0:37:03 > 0:37:08- ..in terms of our industry...
0:37:09 > 0:37:15- ..that it wouldn't be the men - who created the biggest problems.
0:37:15 > 0:37:20- It's the actors who've caused me the - biggest problems, not the actresses.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23- The actors I've come across...
0:37:26 > 0:37:29- ..have been miserable and nasty...
0:37:29 > 0:37:31- ..and very insecure.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37- They've been - very awkward to work with.
0:37:37 > 0:37:42- The men have been the hardest - to deal with, for some reason.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- I'm sure I've pissed people off - over the years.
0:37:45 > 0:37:50- But for me, - it's all do with concentrating.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55- We're all there to achieve - what we've set out to achieve...
0:37:55 > 0:37:59- ..and I lose my temper - if someone plays around.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- I get angry at those - who don't concentrate.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06- It's hard when people - don't take their work seriously...
0:38:06 > 0:38:11- ..or if they take the piss out of me - in terms of the hours I put in.
0:38:11 > 0:38:16- You have to fight your own corner - because no-one will do it for you.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20- You represent yourself as a - professional and as the character.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25- As an artist, you need the skills - to communicate with the director...
0:38:26 > 0:38:30- ..and as a professional actor, you - must communicate with the producer.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32- That's not easy.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35- I've learnt from experience...
0:38:35 > 0:38:39- ..since I've worked in the industry - from a young age.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43- But it's the male actors - who've been the most awkward of all.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46- My daughter - is familiar with your work.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49- Her favourite is 102 Dalmatians.
0:38:49 > 0:38:54- In terms of your career, - I think it was an important role.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56- It was a wonderful experience too.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00- Talking about awkward actors...
0:39:00 > 0:39:04- ..they say you should never work - with children or animals...
0:39:05 > 0:39:09- ..but every morning, I'd be warmly - greeted by the animals, by the dogs.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14- They loved seeing you because they - knew they'd be playing all day...
0:39:15 > 0:39:17- ..performing the skills - they'd learnt...
0:39:18 > 0:39:21- ..and be rewarded - with a biscuit or a piece of meat.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24- They'd be overjoyed to see you.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26- I never got fed up of that.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29- I also met Alice on set.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32- I was living in London - at the time...
0:39:33 > 0:39:35- ..and she was living in Paris.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37- It was an incredible experience.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42- It was five months worth of work, - so half a year's work...
0:39:42 > 0:39:46- ..and the film - was a roaring success worldwide.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50- We travelled all over the world - promoting the film.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54- The film was launched in New York.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56- We had a big premiere in London.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59- We went all around Europe - and it was great.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04- I read an interview of yours when - you started going out with Alice.
0:40:04 > 0:40:09- In your own words, she thought - you were a wanker to begin with.
0:40:09 > 0:40:14- Why did she think that and - what did you do to change her mind?
0:40:14 > 0:40:17- If I'm being honest...
0:40:17 > 0:40:20- ..I think at the time...
0:40:20 > 0:40:22- ..if there was a phase...
0:40:22 > 0:40:27- We talked earlier - about that period...
0:40:27 > 0:40:33- ..where I gave up - on those perceived ideals...
0:40:34 > 0:40:37- ..of who I thought I was - and where I'd come from...
0:40:38 > 0:40:41- ..and it was a form - of late rebellion.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47- I was single...
0:40:48 > 0:40:52- ..I'd just finished - a successful series, Hornblower...
0:40:52 > 0:40:56- ..and was living - in a bachelor pad in London.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58- I was going out...
0:41:00 > 0:41:03- ..with one of - the Appleton sisters at the time.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06- I was living the rock'n'roll life.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11- If I did come across...
0:41:11 > 0:41:13- Your own words.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15- Your own words.- - ..as a wanker...
0:41:15 > 0:41:19- ..then fair enough, I probably was.
0:41:20 > 0:41:24- It was odd because that was - one of the first few times...
0:41:24 > 0:41:27- ..that I was being invited...
0:41:27 > 0:41:31- ..to parties or events...
0:41:34 > 0:41:37- ..as a celebrity.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41- I got to meet all these people - I'd admired over the years.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44- I started to feel - part of this world.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48- I soon learnt after the first party.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51- I was under the impression...
0:41:52 > 0:41:55- ..that I was - going to get something out of it.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58- But after the first party...
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- ..I found out - it wasn't tangible at all.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05- Whatever it was I was searching for - or wanted to be part of...
0:42:05 > 0:42:07- ..it didn't exist.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- It was very disappointing.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13- I realized it was nothing to do - with being famous...
0:42:13 > 0:42:18- ..or being friends with famous - people or being in the right crowd.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21- There are - more important things in life.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24- It doesn't exist. It's intangible.
0:42:24 > 0:42:29- As a young 25-year-old, - or whatever age I was...
0:42:30 > 0:42:34- ..I learnt another valuable lesson - about this industry.
0:42:34 > 0:42:39- I learnt a lot - from my early success.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41- If I had turned into a wanker...
0:42:41 > 0:42:46- ..then it was a phase I was going - through, and I remember it well.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49- I had so much fun.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51- But I met Alice on the film set...
0:42:51 > 0:42:53- ..and everything changed.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59- We all know the feeling - when we fall in love.
0:43:00 > 0:43:04- I was subconsciously - putting myself in situations...
0:43:04 > 0:43:06- ..just because - I wanted to be near her.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09- And thank goodness for that.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12- I think - she saved my life, to be honest.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15- I could've gone the other way.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18- At least for a time.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21- I met her on the film...
0:43:21 > 0:43:25- ..and it was - at the beginning of my success...
0:43:25 > 0:43:29- ..and I think she helped steer me...
0:43:29 > 0:43:33- ..in the right direction.
0:43:34 > 0:43:37- I think it's important - to talk about Titanic...
0:43:38 > 0:43:42- ..because it wasn't Leonardo - DiCaprio who rescued Kate Winslet...
0:43:42 > 0:43:44- ..but your character.
0:43:44 > 0:43:48- If it were up to Leonardo DiCaprio, - she would've died.
0:43:49 > 0:43:52- What was it like working on Titanic?
0:43:52 > 0:43:55- There was - something very magical about it.
0:43:56 > 0:43:58- I knew instantly - that it would be magical.
0:43:58 > 0:44:02- I was experiencing things - for the first time.
0:44:02 > 0:44:06- Flying to America, flying to Mexico - for the first time...
0:44:06 > 0:44:11- ..meeting all these actors, working - with DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
0:44:11 > 0:44:15- They were about to become - the world's biggest movie stars.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18- It was great - because I felt part of it all.
0:44:18 > 0:44:23- I felt as if I was - a bona fide member of the crew.
0:44:24 > 0:44:30- I was going through the same process - as Leo and Kate were going through.
0:44:30 > 0:44:34- I felt very confident - coming off that film.
0:44:36 > 0:44:39- I knew I was cut out to be an actor - and I knew how to act.
0:44:39 > 0:44:43- The process I was going through - was the same as theirs...
0:44:43 > 0:44:47- ..it's just - that the camera loved those two.
0:44:47 > 0:44:50- Not that - I'm comparing myself to them...
0:44:50 > 0:44:53- ..because - they're in a different league.
0:44:54 > 0:44:58- But it gave me the confidence to - know this is what I should be doing.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02- I should be in front of the camera - as a leading man.
0:45:03 > 0:45:08- The role I was given straight after - filming Titanic was Hornblower.
0:45:08 > 0:45:13- The audition - with the director was interesting.
0:45:14 > 0:45:18- He said, "Come in, come in, come in. - Tell me something about yourself.
0:45:19 > 0:45:22- "What have you done - in the last three months?
0:45:22 > 0:45:25- "Please, whatever you do, - don't talk about acting.
0:45:26 > 0:45:29- "I hate actors - talking about their last jobs."
0:45:29 > 0:45:33- I thought, 'I've just come off - the biggest film ever made...
0:45:33 > 0:45:38- '..about - the most famous ship ever...
0:45:38 > 0:45:44- '..directed by - the respected Terminator director.'
0:45:44 > 0:45:47- I was auditioning - for the part of a character...
0:45:47 > 0:45:50- ..who lived and breathed - on a ship.
0:45:50 > 0:45:54- I said, "Actually, I've just - come off the set of Titanic.
0:45:55 > 0:45:58- "I think - you might be interested to know."
0:45:58 > 0:46:00- So we spoke about Titanic then.
0:46:00 > 0:46:02- We had a long chat...
0:46:02 > 0:46:07- ..about the process Cameron - went through to create Titanic.
0:46:07 > 0:46:11- If ever there was a time - to be honest with a director...
0:46:11 > 0:46:16- ..who didn't want to talk about - an actor's experiences...
0:46:16 > 0:46:19- ..that was the time to do it.
0:46:19 > 0:46:22- You're approaching - your 40th birthday.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25- Are you ready for it?
0:46:25 > 0:46:28- In terms of the future, - I'm quite excited about it.
0:46:29 > 0:46:32- As we know, - in terms of Hollywood's history...
0:46:32 > 0:46:39- ..the leading man - usually hits his stride at 40.
0:46:42 > 0:46:48- Harrison Ford - was discovered in his thirties.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51- I'm very excited.
0:46:51 > 0:46:53- The older a man gets in Hollywood...
0:46:54 > 0:46:57- ..the better he becomes, - like a good wine.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01- You've an opportunity to play - a leading man for the next 20 years.
0:47:01 > 0:47:07- I hope to goodness - I'll grow into the role gracefully.
0:47:14 > 0:47:18- I enjoyed meeting Ioan Gruffudd - but it was time to say goodbye.
0:47:18 > 0:47:21- In fact, Ioan insisted.
0:47:42 > 0:47:44- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:47:44 > 0:47:44- .