Quotes
So to create my Fagin I fitted all the bits of business together until I felt exhilarated and complete. My Fagin was a clown, and my performance was tragicomic.
Retire from the stage altogether, so crushing the blow of a dream child's collapse.
Playing Fagin in the play and film was a small miracle.
People have asked why would I, a Jewish actor, play the part of a monstrous Jewish villain? But although Dickens describes Fagin as a merry old Jew, there's no sign of him being a Jew in his language and actions.
On the first night of Oliver! the atmosphere was electric, and there were endless curtain calls for the author.
Now I can see I was at fault for not being more considerate, but when we were doing the show I didn't think it was my job to be considerate to other people.
My training was that you fill in the canvas where it needs colour and polishing. You start with the words on the first night and keep adding bits of business.
My portrayal of Fagin was all to do with my experience in comedy and revue.
I've no regrets. You take responsibility for your actions.
I'd wanted to be an actor from the age of five.
I was the school joker, always doing funny voices and imitations, but then I went to the London School of Economics.
I was offered Fagin-type roles but I wanted to do new things.
I could have worked in America, but there was a recession in the British film industry and I wanted to work in England.
For me, making the show work was getting belly laughs - like most variety artists. But the straight actor believes you fix your performance in rehearsal and that's it.
Fate destined me to play Fagin. It was the part of a lifetime, and I was the only actor to be in the stage production and in the film.
At the time I auditioned for Fagin, I was unknown.
After Oliver!, my career didn't develop.
Dwight L. Moody
Where I was born and where and how I have lived is unimportant. It is what I have done with where I have been that should be of interest.
Dwight L. Moody