James McAvoy's 'mental' roles

James McAvoy loves playing "mental cases."

The 36-year-old actor, who made his acting debut as a teenager, has admitted he thoroughly enjoys taking on roles that challenge his imagination.

He said: "I really enjoy playing mental cases, people with obsession and delusion. It means that as an actor you are engaging your imagination all the time."

And, although he shot into the limelight at such a young age, the handsome star believes he's always remained "humble."

He explained: "I used to be a bit too humble for my own good. I had to learn self-worth and to have a positive image of myself. Maybe it's a good thing. Perhaps if I hadn't been humble I'd be really fucked up now."

McAvoy is adamant he has his grandparents to thank for his successful career because they taught him what was important in life.

He added to the Observer magazine: "In large part I was raised by my grandparents. They taught me a respect for people, a respect for money. Money is freedom. From them I absorbed the importance of owning your own place and not owing money or having credit card debts."