Paul Bettany isn't jealous of A-list stars because he would never want that level of fame

He told The Telegraph newspaper: "In my line of work, I was always surprised to discover that there were some actors I'd work with and think: 'What is it about this experience that feels weird?' And then I worked out that it was because it felt like a sporting event - I was working with somebody who was trying to beat me rather than become more than the sum of your parts together.

"With most actors it's a lovely, collaborative, gentle feeling. The rehearsal room's like doing a crossword together on a Sunday afternoon. But then there are the apex predators ... "

He went on to talk about levels of fame in Hollywood. When asked if he is jealous of stars such as Tom Hanks and Russell Crowe, he replied: "No. And I wouldn't [feel jealous]. I have enough of that life to know that I wouldn't want that.

"I wouldn't want to not be able to go to a museum. I'd like to be able to get a really nice table in a restaurant, but not to be unable to go to a restaurant without shutting it down.

"So having seen it, I can say with hand on heart I don't want that. And when I went to drama school I didn't sign some Faustian pact with the devil where the consequence is that I have to give up all my private life to have this thing. I wouldn't want that."

He went on to add: "There are people for whom [fame] is not alienating and they rather enjoy it, but there's nothing enjoyable about meeting someone on the street and they ask for a picture and you can feel their hand shaking.

"You'd be wrong to assume every actor wants that. We're not all that venal and empty and shallow."

Paul is married to fellow actor Jennifer Connelly and admitted she is the most famous star in their marriage, saying: "Oh, I think my wife is for sure more famous than me."