I do as much comedy as I possibly can, but I'm basically limited by the imagination of the secretaries who make the decisions.

In this quote, Rufus Sewell comments on the limitations he faces in his pursuit of comedy. While he expresses a strong desire to engage in comedy as much as possible, he feels constrained by the decisions made by others, particularly the secretaries who have the power to determine what roles or projects he gets involved with. Sewell is highlighting the frustration that many artists, especially actors, experience when they are limited by external forces beyond their control, such as industry gatekeepers.

The reference to secretaries can be understood as a metaphor for those in positions of administrative or managerial power within the entertainment industry. These individuals often play a significant role in deciding which projects get greenlit or which actors are cast in roles. Sewell's comment suggests that the artistic freedom of actors like himself can be stifled by people who may not fully understand or appreciate the artist’s vision or talents.

The origin of this quote lies in Sewell’s reflections on the challenges he faces in his acting career. As a talented actor known for both serious roles and more comedic performances, he seems to be pointing out the irony that his ability to perform comedy is limited not by his skills or desire but by the lack of imagination in those who make the decisions. The quote reflects a broader frustration that many creative professionals feel when their work is subject to the control of those with limited vision or understanding of their abilities.