When I first started shooting 'Sharpe,' back in the early 1990s, I'd kiss my two elder daughters goodbye at the end of August - Evie wasn't even born then - and I wouldn't see them again until Christmas. That was tough. They were hard times.

In this quote, Sean Bean reflects on the challenging experience of filming the TV series 'Sharpe' during the early 1990s. He recalls how, at the start of each shooting season, he would have to kiss his two elder daughters goodbye in August and wouldn't see them again until Christmas. This long separation from his family made the experience particularly difficult for him, revealing the emotional strain that comes with being away from loved ones for extended periods.

Bean also mentions that at the time, his daughter Evie had not yet been born, which adds a personal dimension to his reflection, as his family situation continued to evolve while he was away for long periods. His acknowledgment of these being "hard times" conveys the emotional toll the separation took on him, despite the professional success he was experiencing.

The quote highlights the sacrifices that come with a career in acting, especially when filming schedules require long periods of absence from home. It paints a picture of the difficult balance between pursuing a demanding career and maintaining strong family connections. Bean's openness about the emotional difficulty of the situation provides insight into the personal challenges that actors often face behind the scenes.

Ultimately, Bean's words reflect the complexities of a career in entertainment, where professional obligations can sometimes interfere with family life. His recollection of those hard times serves as a reminder that success in the public eye can come at the cost of personal sacrifices, especially when it involves spending significant time away from loved ones.