Turning to your career, you have played numerous historical characters: Cyrano, Edmond Dantes the Count of Monte Cristo, and now you're appearing on stage in Paris as the emperor Charles V. Do you enjoy being cast in historical or literary roles?
"Very much. Why?  Because I couldn't go to school and so didn't learn enough about them there. Now, I can walk through history actually living the adventures of these people."

Is Edmond Dantes at all like you?
"The way they've adapted the story, maybe. In the original tale the count was a very cold, dry person, who used drugs.  I believe that what moved him was revenge.  As far as I'm concerned, the most beautiful revenge lies in forgiveness. Because, once you've got justice, what's left?  Nothing.  Whereas, after love and forgiveness, there's a lot that can happen."

Have you ever felt unjustly accused yourself?
"No. I think there are people who are unjustly accused of but it's never happened to me."

Which other historical figure would you like to interpret?
"General de Gaulle."

Do you think you will chance to do that?
"I don't know. He's an important part of the history of the 20th century. I don't know much about him, but I've read his books and I think he's someone who has helped to enrich the spirit of France."

And finally how would you like to be remembered by the public one day?
"As a friend."

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