Adrian Dunbar Quotes, born August 1, 1958, in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, is an Irish actor, director, and singer celebrated for his role as Superintendent Ted Hastings in the BBC’s hit series Line of Duty (2012–2021). Raised in a Catholic family, he trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and has starred in films like The Crying Game (1992) and Hear My Song (1991), which he co-wrote, earning a BAFTA nomination. His theater credits include works at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, and he fronts his own band, performing songs like “The Curragh of Kildare.” These 15 quotes—sourced from interviews, posts on X, and his Line of Duty role—reflect his insights on acting, identity, and Northern Irish culture, capturing his wit and heartfelt connection to his roots.
15 Adrian Dunbar Quotes
- “The ‘Mother of God’ stuff comes from my dad who used to use that all the time. He’d just say ‘Mother’ and we knew what he meant.” (Interview, How To Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast, 2021)
- “Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the wee donkey, can we just move this thing along before it drives us all round the b****y bend?” (Line of Duty, Season 6, 2021)
- “I am an Irish person. I’m an Irishman, but I’m also an Ulsterman.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Some of them were ad-libbed, ‘the wee donkey’ line was ad-libbed. It was something I heard someone saying a couple of years before.” (Interview, Ireland AM, 2021)
- “I didn’t float up the Lagan in a bubble.” (Line of Duty, Season 6, 2021)
- “The name’s Hastings, ma’am, I’m the epitome of an old battle.” (Line of Duty, Season 6, 2021)
- “Integrated education should be the norm—I’m passionate about that.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Now we’re sucking on diesel.” (Line of Duty, Season 5, 2019)
- “My father was a foreman on building sites and he was really good at getting a day’s work out of fellas. He did it without being a tyrant.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The arts don’t care what your background is. They belong to everyone.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I’m over the moon to play an iconic character like Ted Hastings and for my career to be defined by this role—that’s a place very few actors get to.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “People often say Beckett is difficult or bleak, but engaging with it is the most life-affirming, uplifting thing. It’s his use of language.” (Interview, BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I’m not going to get anything better than Ted. That’s not going to happen, so don’t worry. And I’d miss everybody too much.” (Interview, Radio Times, n.d.)
- “Bloody Sunday was one of the darkest days since the foundation of Northern Ireland.” (Speech, Millennium Forum, Londonderry, 2022)
- “It is working-class people that are showing Ireland the way forward. We want our Republic, we want Connolly and Pearse’s Republic.” (Post on X, @IrishUnity, 2022-11-26)
Adrian Dunbar’s quotes are a spirited mix of Northern Irish colloquialisms, reflections on identity, and passion for the arts, inspiring you to embrace your roots and pursue your craft with authenticity. Which quote resonates with your journey? Share it below and keep Adrian’s vibrant legacy alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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