Michaela McManus and Linus Roache at The 36th International Emmy Awards Gala at the New York Hilton. New York City, USA - 24.11.08

The British actor hates the fact that celebrities are the "new gods of our time" and didn't want to become a superstar following his first big break.

So he turned down roles and took a two-year sabbatical.

He tells WENN, "I think it's an interesting part of our culture and our nature, in a sad way, that movie stars became the new gods of our time. Celebrities are the hierarchy and it's not appropriate; it's wrong.

"I say this pretty confidently because I took two years off after Priest because it's nuts. Your priorities are wrong. I had achieved a lot and set out to do the things I wanted to do, and I went, 'What now? More of this?'

"I just couldn't keep on going because I wasn't fulfilled."

But starring opposite Angelina Jolie in Beyond Borders eventually made Roache realise celebrity isn't always a bad thing: "Sometimes you get a little deluded and lost and then you realise celebrity can be a good thing in the proper place. I think Brad and Angie are perfect examples of what a celebrity can become for the better.

"I worked with her in Beyond Borders and that girl really walks her talk and I think that's awesome."

Related news:

* Movie Fans Pick Depp And Jolie For Batman Villains
* Batman Mayor Files Suit For Caped Crusader Cash
* Ledger's Father 'Proud' Of Batman Performance
* Angry Bale Was Bolted In As Batman

Source: WENN