My London: James Earl Jones

What was the last play you saw in London?
I went to see as much as I could when we were rehearsing. War Horse and An Inspector Calls were both really good. I'd still like to see Enron and Jerusalem.

What's the best meal you've had in London?
Years ago, when I could only afford the Pastoria Hotel in Leicester Square, I'd dine at an Indian restaurant nearby. The waiter was so cordial, he made my wine selections for me. I do miss American food, though.

What advice would you give a tourist?
Take a taxi and just ride around and people-watch and appreciate how civilised they seem. The only sightseeing activity I have done so far has been a trip to the Imperial War Museum. I loved it. War is a violent subject but it's important to know about these things.

Which London shops do you rely on?
I've had no time to buy anything except journals. My wife shops for food and clothing, my son shops for daily lunch and necessaries.

What's your earliest London memory?
I have been to London for work three times. The first time, I was appearing in Dr Strangelove and it was a pleasant blur. The second time, I wandered around Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.

What would be on your tombstone?
'Now, that was really great!'

What are your guilty pleasures?
No true pleasure has ever been encumbered by guilt.

What are you most afraid of?
I don't let myself dwell on fear. I don't get stage fright, I think none of us actors do. It's just a pleasant adrenaline feeling that is there to help us perform.

What's your life philosophy?
Seek not happiness but contentment.

What animal would you most like to be?
A bear, because I played one once for my son's school fundraiser. It was a piece a friend wrote called Bear God Dialogue. I asked my son which part he wanted to play and of course he said God, so I was left with the bear role. It suited me: I have big hands and feet.

What was the last album you bought?
The soundtrack of my 1995 film Cry, the Beloved Country. It pleases me as much as the movie.

What are you up to at the moment?
I'm performing a beautiful Tennessee Williams play with a great cast. The other day one of the understudies had to step in mid-show and she did wonderfully. British actors are really well trained in all disciplines.

Who's your hero?
My grandfather. He taught me more about fairness and justice than any other person, book or law.

Which is your favourite London pub?
The Nell of Old Drury in Covent Garden.

What is your favourite London discovery?
A driver (Roger of the Bubalah Car Service) shared with me that no one 'sees' Big Ben by passing the alleged site. Big Ben is the bell housed inside St Stephen's Tower behind the giant clock.

Where did you last go on holiday?
The only holiday I've taken recently was with my extended family to Alaska. I was so impressed by the totem poles that, once I understood them, I ordered one to commemorate the Jones/Hart clan.

Have you ever stolen anything?
Dickie Kropel and I jimmied open a window and broke into our one-room schoolhouse in Dublin, Michigan, one summer. The only things we took were the thrill of illegal entry and a pad and pencil each, which we made good use of for the rest of the summer.