Sir Derek Jacobi always feels insecure about his career.
Sir Derek Jacobi
The 82-year-old actor has enjoyed decades of success on both stage and screen but has constantly felt a need to prove himself since his childhood.
Asked if the lack of work for actors has made him insecure about his career, Derek said: "Always! Insecurity is the story of my life. It goes back to my youth as an only child.
"If I'd had brothers and sisters I might not be so timid. In the big world of making your way I've always felt I've just got to keep at it otherwise I'll slip off the ladder."
Derek revealed that being "in awe of achievement" has contributed to him feeling a sense of underachievement.
He explained: "I think I've always been in awe of achievement. When you are surrounded by a host of high achievers, I think that has an effect on you if, like me, you feel you've underachieved."
Jacobi – who has been honoured with two Olivier Awards among other accolades – admits that a look in his cupboards helps to reassure him of his success.
He quipped: "These days I can always look in the cupboard and see an award or two if I need to."
Derek has previously appeared on stage in 'King Lear' and 'Hamlet' and revealed that he hankers after one more big theatre role but away from Shakespeare.
He told The Daily Telegraph newspaper: "I'd love one more big theatre role.
"The problem with Shakespeare is that you are always compared to the 600 or so actors who've come before you. So I'd like a play that no one knows anything about. It's out there somewhere and it's got my name on it."
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