Ian McDiarmid quotes:

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.

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.

Consistency is very important when you're making films.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The part that I think is one of the most interesting is of course the one that Hayden Christensen plays.

At least Satan fell; he has a history, and it's one of revenge.

Serious work gets done ... in congenial surroundings, which tend to make you laugh.

I'm the blackest villain of all time.

I suppose it's easy to play a hypocritical politician with a smiling face; it's also quite gratifying to play.

I've been trying to find a redeeming feature to Palpatine, and the only one I've got so far is that he's clearly a patron of the arts because he goes to the opera.

I think the greatest thing about being an actor is that you can become other people. ... You have the opportunity to explore ... alternative ways of living for a brief time.

If you're any kind of artist, you've got to ... keep opening yourself to new possibilities.

Im the blackest villain of all time.

That's the mark of a great storyteller, never to give away secrets in advance.