Welcome to the world of Peter Capaldi, a versatile actor known for his compelling performances across film, television, and stage. With a career spanning decades, Capaldi has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his profound talent and undeniable charisma. From his iconic portrayal of the Twelfth Doctor in the long-running British series Doctor Who to his captivating roles in films like In the Loop and The Thick of It, Capaldi has consistently captivated audiences with his depth and range as an actor.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Peter Capaldi began his acting journey in the world of theater before transitioning to television and film. His dedication to his craft and his ability to embody a diverse array of characters have earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base worldwide. Whether he’s delivering razor-sharp wit in a political satire or evoking deep emotion in a dramatic role, Capaldi’s performances are always memorable and impactful. Explore this page to discover some of the most insightful and inspiring quotes from Peter Capaldi, showcasing his wisdom, humor, and passion for the art of acting.
Scottish men of a certain age have a black response to almost everything as a measure of how sophisticated they are. I have a very long fuse that eventually explodes after building up a nice head of steam, although it’s only happened three times – usually at work when someone takes me for granted. Peter Capaldi
Even though I am a lifelong ‘Doctor Who’ fan, I’ve not played him since I was nine. I downloaded old scripts and practised those in front of the mirror. Peter Capaldi
If I had gone to drama school, I wouldn’t be sitting here now because it would have blanded me out; it would have just turned me into another actor. Peter Capaldi
I suppose I just like being arty. That’s all. Arty. Peter Capaldi
I’m not terribly well read. My wife forces books into my hands and insists I read them, which I’m grateful to her for. She made me read ‘War and Peace.’ The whole thing. It was amazing, but I had to hide it. You can’t walk round reading ‘War and Peace’ – it’s like you’re in a comedy sketch and you think you’re smart. Peter Capaldi
Crime is interesting. It’s huge and fascinating, and it’s what my business, TV and film, is largely based on. But the realities are tragic, and in crime drama you rarely see the pain of bereavement or any consequences. It’s reduced to a chess game. Peter Capaldi
‘Strictly Sinatra’ became a compromise between me and the producers, and neither of us liked the results much. Peter Capaldi
I think the whole spoiler thing has taken over the media. Peter Capaldi
I could make the title of my memoirs: ‘It’s got cinematic disaster written all over it.’ Peter Capaldi
Everywhere I go, I am The Doctor, and everyone smiles at me – they are pleased to see Doctor Who, who’s far more exciting than I am. Peter Capaldi
When I was acting, I was always asking abut the mechanics of filmmaking. I decided I would learn what everyone on set was doing, so I would feel less threatened. Peter Capaldi
I don’t like parties. There was never a party I was at where I didn’t wish I was somewhere else. Peter Capaldi
What you’re doing is acting with yourself. Well, I’m my favourite actor, so in a way it’s quite straightforward for me. Peter Capaldi
If people enjoy my profile from the privacy of their own home, that’s entirely up to you. Peter Capaldi
Nothing compares to being in a room full of politicians screaming abuse at each other all night. It’s hilarious but also a bit terrifying. Peter Capaldi
I turn down invitations to events where I know there will be politicians. Peter Capaldi
Nowadays, kids… young actors… they go straight to L.A. before they’ve even done anything. Peter Capaldi
What’s now shocking is I can’t say anything publicly without it having a life. Not because I have extraordinary views but because people are keen on conflict, so they’ll make that the story. Peter Capaldi
One of the very, very exciting things I have found here in L.A. is that no one talks to you about being Scottish. Whereas, if you are in London and you are trying to put films together and be a film-maker, there is a kind of unspoken sense that, if you are Scottish, you have something to overcome or else you cannot really do that project. Peter Capaldi
What I’ve learnt being an actor is that you’ve got to be lucky. I got less lucky, and nobody was interested. If a part came up, it would be for the main corpse’s friend’s brother who was having problems with his marriage. Peter Capaldi
Believe it or not, one teacher used to call me a giant spastic for not being able to play football. Peter Capaldi
I destroyed all my geek stuff because I didn’t want to be a geek, and I regret it to this day. Consumed in the geek bonfire of the vanities was a collection of autographs and letters from Peter Cushing, Spike Milligan and Frankie Howerd, the first Doctor Whos, actual astronauts, and many more. Peter Capaldi
I hate restaurants that play music. You come out for a quiet meal, and you’re supposed to put up with all this booming. Why? It’s madness! Peter Capaldi
Shouting at people keeps you alive, healthy, young, fresh. Peter Capaldi
I’ve always been interested in the idea of people who fell through the cracks. Peter Capaldi
Maybe it’s because I’ve been an actor for such a long time, but I think, unless you’re a big star, you don’t really have much control over anything. I’ve never been able to make any plans. Peter Capaldi
I’m so lucky to have worked with Burt Lancaster, who I remember was one of the first people I’d heard swearing in a really interesting way. Peter Capaldi
The British film industry has always tried to sell itself as something rather sophisticated. It’s almost as if it thinks it is by royal command. It has always tried to claim the high ground, not only over Hollywood but over the whole of humanity! Peter Capaldi
You can’t, as an actor, conduct yourself by making constant references to other people. Peter Capaldi
I just consciously try to enjoy the good things that are happening. And if it ended tomorrow, that would be fine. Peter Capaldi
I don’t remember ‘Doctor Who’ not being part of my life, and it became a part of growing up, along with The Beatles, National Health spectacles, and fog. And it runs deep. It’s in my DNA. Peter Capaldi
Before ‘Local Hero,’ I’d been knocking about Glasgow in rock bands, drinking too much and generally being 21. My opinion of actors was that they were straight and boring, so you see, I was completely unprepared for being one. Peter Capaldi
My Italian granny and my mother made great spaghetti, but it wasn’t a kind of southern Italian, Godfather-esque kind of thing – it was a wonderful, big mixing pot of all kinds of people – when you came home from school and your mum wasn’t in, there were lots of people you could go to. Peter Capaldi
I can’t imagine I’ll be the new George Clooney. That’s not really in the cards. Peter Capaldi
The truth is that I got to Hollywood, and I didn’t know what to do once I got there. Peter Capaldi
I’m creative. I can’t relax unless I’ve got some project on the go. I’m somebody from art school, and art school during the punk era, when you just had a go at whatever came along. Peter Capaldi
I love Hugh Laurie, but I don’t want to be a guy who goes to work every day for nine months of the year in a corner of Burbank. I really don’t. I like doing a bit here and a bit there and strange things, and I think that’s held me back. Peter Capaldi
I don’t mind being stereotyped as angry – it’s good to have a job. Peter Capaldi
I never really think of acting and directing as being separate; they are just different expressions of the same thing. Peter Capaldi
I think it’s always exciting when ‘Doctor Who’ touches its past. Peter Capaldi
I’m just physically stupid. Peter Capaldi
I spent four months once doing a play on Broadway. Peter Capaldi
I’m sure if Shakespeare were alive today, he’d be doing classic guitar solos on YouTube. Peter Capaldi
I think it’s not misplaced in ‘Doctor Who’ to have someone who is little bit edgy and maybe a little volatile and dangerous. Peter Capaldi
I was always admiring people who seemed to conduct themselves with ease in the world. Maybe that’s a great gift to give your kids if you can do that. Because they can move through the world without neurosis, this anxiety about everything, which our own parents gave us. Peter Capaldi
Hollywood producers aren’t going to say, ‘Get me that swearing, grey-haired, headless chicken. We need him for our new ‘High School Musical’ movie!’ Peter Capaldi
I didn’t want to be Doctor Who in a ‘Doctor Who’ that I didn’t like. Peter Capaldi
Personally, I have as little to do with politicians as possible. The ones that I’ve met I’ve found very boring. They’re extremely egotistical, incredibly self-important. If I can help it, I try to stay as far away from them as possible. Peter Capaldi
I got into music, I was in a band, I was at art school. I was quite trendy, although I’d hate to meet myself. The over-preening, the pretentiousness, the arrogance of youth! I think, ‘Oh, that guy was so full of himself.’ Peter Capaldi
You can’t blame anyone for being cynical about politicians. Peter Capaldi
If you travel in time and space, most of the people you know and love will eventually be gone. But you’ll also be able to go and find them again. Peter Capaldi
The only person that I want to love me is my wife. Peter Capaldi
I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been asked to ‘be’ Malcolm Tucker: to go on a political program on television, presumably in order to be the character and give opinions as him. Peter Capaldi
My childhood growing up in that part of Glasgow always sounds like some kind of sub-Catherine Cookson novel of earthy working-class immigrant life, which to some extent it was, but it wasn’t really as colourful that. Peter Capaldi
Of course I’ve had my moments of wanting to go back to Scotland, and I almost did a couple of times, but other things just came up. Peter Capaldi
My parents didn’t take me to the theatre to see Chekhov when I was growing up – we went to see ‘Francie and Josie’ once every five years. Peter Capaldi
When I first came to London, I loved hanging around in cafes, smoking, scribbling, dreaming. It was life-affirming and fun. Peter Capaldi
I’m fascinated by fire. When I was four, I wore an American fireman’s hat all the time, and I still have one in my office today. Glasgow used to be called ‘Tinderbox City;’ there were always fires, people getting killed. Peter Capaldi
Recently, I dreamed that I returned home to find my wife had married Ray Winstone. They were kind and let me stay, but the whole thing was awkward. Peter Capaldi
‘Doctor Who’ has a certain amount of showbiz attached to it. Peter Capaldi
One of the problems with episodic television of any color is that everything has got to be okay at the end of the episode so it can start again next week. Peter Capaldi
At 17 years old, STG took me under its wing and shared its resources and wisdom with me, even allowing me to take part in a show at the Edinburgh Festival. Without STG and the Ramshorn Theatre, I would not have found access to the world of drama that I later made my profession. Peter Capaldi
If I was to meet my eight-year-old self, I would say, ‘Don’t listen to what they say about you. Wear your anorak with pride!’ Peter Capaldi
I think the nice thing about ‘Doctor Who’ is whether people like it or don’t like it, somewhere, someone loves you and will always love you – and the more everyone hates you, the more they’ll love you. Peter Capaldi
The biggest thing I have realized was that you have to choose your collaborators very carefully, and that not everybody can like you. The process of filmmaking is so difficult, there’s no point in doing it unless you can do it the way you want. Peter Capaldi
I don’t want to find myself at the age of 60 waiting by the telephone for someone else to decide if I am capable of being in what might be a crummy TV production. Peter Capaldi
I went to art school in the days when it was what you did if you didn’t want to be like everybody else. You wanted to be strange and different, and art school encouraged that. We hated the drama students – they were guys with pipes and cardigans. Peter Capaldi
What annoys me about it is that your fate is always in somebody else’s hands. It’s always up to somebody else to decide whether or not they want you in their show and so the majority of actors have to play out a waiting game. The constant fear is that it could all end tomorrow. Peter Capaldi
I don’t go to pubs. Peter Capaldi
The best advice is to get on with it. I’m very prone to falling into depressions – not clinical, just ‘can’t be bothered.’ It’s such a waste of time. Peter Capaldi
I hate the Internet. It’s full of rubbish. I’m on it all the time, watching terrible, useless things and ossifying my brain. Peter Capaldi
The big reason that ‘Doctor Who’ is still with us is that every single viewer who ever turned in to watch this show, at any age, at any time in its history, took it into their heart – because ‘Doctor Who’ belongs to all of us. Everyone made ‘Doctor Who.’ Peter Capaldi
I find the closer you get to people, the harder it is to satirise them. Peter Capaldi
Even if I hadn’t been cast as Doctor Who, my acting would probably have been influenced by William Hartnell or Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, and all of the other guys. Because those were the actors that I really watched every moment of, as opposed to Laurence Olivier. Peter Capaldi
The biggest problem of all is that it’s very difficult to tell my daughter, ‘Swearing is not clever or funny,’ because I earn a living by swearing. Peter Capaldi
Why can’t jazz musicians just leave a melody alone? Peter Capaldi
Drawing is the only thing I’ve found in which I can lose myself completely. I love it. It started as something that relaxed me, but now it’s a struggle because I’m pushing myself. The day-to-day sketching is fraught. Peter Capaldi
I think the truth is always interesting, but with politicians, you don’t get to see much of that. Peter Capaldi
I’ve been really terrible in a lot of things because I learned by making mistakes. That makes you a different kind of actor, because you have to figure out for yourself what you do. Peter Capaldi
We don’t consider the Wizard of Oz or Father Christmas to be too old. They’re still magical characters, and the fact they’ve been around the block only adds to their magic. Peter Capaldi
I haven’t played Doctor Who since I was 9 on the playground. Peter Capaldi
I don’t have any expectations of anything. Peter Capaldi
I can’t imagine I’ll be the new George Clooney. That’s not really on the cards. Peter Capaldi
It was great being brought up in a Glasgow working-class tenement. It wasn’t miserable, and it wasn’t poverty stricken. It felt very safe, full of delights. Peter Capaldi
When I was a kid, I wrote to the BBC, and the producers sent me a huge package through the post with ‘Doctor Who’ scripts. I’d never even seen a script and couldn’t believe that they actually wrote this stuff down. It sort of opened a door. Peter Capaldi
I don’t want to make a film to make a film. Peter Capaldi
My family know not to get me any tech for Christmas. I can never get it to work, and it all becomes very tearful and pressurised. Peter Capaldi
Comic-Con is so legendary, so a great thrill to be invited along. Peter Capaldi
In Peter Ackroyd’s book ‘London: The Biography,’ he describes the route of the medieval wall that enclosed the original city. Take the book and follow it from the Tower of London via the Barbican to Ludgate Hill. You experience the real history of London. Peter Capaldi
I’m pretty good for an old geek. Peter Capaldi
I could never plan to have a career that went this well… you know, there were times when it didn’t: when it went into the toilet, or ducked, or was difficult to get moving. Peter Capaldi
I hated improvisation because in my early days as an actor, improvisation meant somebody had just come down from Oxford and they were doing a play above a pub in Kentish Town, and the biggest ego would win. Peter Capaldi
My adolescence was a kind of motorway pile-up. I wish I had known that one day the geek would inherit the Earth. Peter Capaldi
The Americans just have a great sort of wit about them. Peter Capaldi
A little showbiz never hurt anyone. Peter Capaldi
I love people where, at the end of the day, they’ll pick up a paintbrush and paint clouds. They can physically make things. Peter Capaldi
There is no such thing as too much swearing. Swearing is just a piece of linguistic mechanics. The words in-between are the clever ones. Peter Capaldi
I absolutely hate mowing the lawn. When I hear the mowers starting, I want to kill myself: it’s the sound of death approaching. Hoovering’s OK, but I never in my life wanted to have a lawn and certainly never wanted to mow one. Peter Capaldi
I don’t think I would have been great in the 17th century. I would have enjoyed the frocks, and certainly some of the food would have been appealing, but the disease and hygiene would have worried me. Peter Capaldi
Real heroes are all around us and uncelebrated. Peter Capaldi
