Logo - Feel The Words

Actor Quotes

The craft, nerves, and quiet discipline of acting.

These actor quotes capture the appeal of the work itself over the discomfort of interviews, the rehearsal room as the real proving ground, and the personal risk of choosing acting as a career in the first place. See Character for more on building a role.

When I was growing up my parents never thought I would be an actor.

Quotes by Charlie Plummer

My favourite actor is Mark Rylance.

Quotes by Charlie Plummer

In the theatre, the actor is given immediate feedback.

Quotes by Charles Keating

It does make you a better director and a better actor.

Quotes by Charles Keating

Indeed, the actor's lot is a much harder one than that of the director's, from one simple standpoint: The actor has to play the eight shows a week.

Quotes by Charles Keating

I was born a character actor.

Quotes by Charles Durning

I lack confidence as an actor.

Quotes by Charles Durning

I phoned this number and said, Please, sir, I want to be an actor.

Quotes by Charles Dance

You have to be selfish to be an actor.

Quotes by Charles Dance

I've got a range as an actor! There was a time I played dramatic leading men.

Quotes by Charles Dance

I like approbation. Any actor who tells you they don't is lying.

Quotes by Charles Dance

I'm excited to flex my Broadway muscles - it keeps you alive as an actor.

Quotes by Chandra Wilson

As an African-American actor, a lot of our stories haven't been told.

Quotes by Chadwick Boseman

As a director, it is important to understand the actor's process.

Quotes by Chadwick Boseman

I think every actor should go back and do theater periodically.

Quotes by Chad Lowe

When actors are talking, they are servants of the dramatist. It is what they can show the audience when they are not talking that reveals the fine actor.

Quotes by Cedric Hardwicke

I think the more you do as an actor, the more facility you have to switch on and off.

Quotes by Cate Blanchett

Being a film actor is very different from a theatre actor.

Quotes by Catherine Deneuve

What I really want to be is an actor.

Quotes by Casey Kasem

I moved to New York and couldn't get a job as an actor. And waited tables for so long.

Quotes by Casey Nicholaw

Frequently Asked Questions

What do these quotes reveal about the life of an actor?
They touch on the simple joy of the work itself, the contrast between acting and being interviewed, the importance of rehearsal, and how big a personal shift becoming an actor can be. For more reflections on identity, see our Being quotes.
Is there a quote about enjoying the work of acting itself?
Yes — it says, "One of the things I enjoyed the most is just working as an actor."
Does one quote compare acting to being interviewed?
Yes. It says, "I believe it's easier to be an actor. Somehow, interviewing seems to be intrusive on people's lives." For more on the craft of acting, check out our Character quotes.
Is there a quote about the importance of rehearsal?
Yes — it states, "The rehearsal is where it all happens for an actor." If you enjoy quotes about dedication to a craft, our Always quotes are worth a look.
Does one quote describe becoming an actor as a big life change?
Yes, it says, "My becoming an actor was a massive shift for me, and a terrifying one." For more on embracing big life changes, see our Good quotes.

Browse Being or Good for more perspectives on performance and identity.