Laurence Olivier
Laurence Olivier
Laurence Kerr Olivier, Baron Olivier, OMwas an English actor who, along with his contemporaries Ralph Richardson and John Gielgud, dominated the British stage of the mid-20th century. He also worked in films throughout his career, playing more than fifty cinema roles. Late in his career, he had considerable success in television roles...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionMovie Actor
Date of Birth22 May 1907
noses audience
Lead the audience by the nose to the thought.
drama exercise light
The office of drama is to exercise, possibly to exhaust, human emotions. The purpose of comedy is to tickle those emotions into an expression of light relief; of tragedy, to wound them and bring the relief of tears. Disgust and terror are the other points of the compass.
life wisdom thinking
I'd like people to remember me for a diligent expert workman. I think a poet is a workman. I think Shakespeare was a workman. And God's a workman. I don't think there's anything better than a workman.
knowledge heart theatre
I don't know what is better than the work that is given to the actor-to teach the human heart the knowledge of itself.
perfection excellence excuse
Striving for perfection is the greatest stopper there is. You'll be afraid you can't achieve it. It's your excuse to yourself for not doing anything. Instead, strive for excellence, doing your best.
eye incarnation
Shakespeare - The nearest thing in incarnation to the eye of God.
time kings politician
We have all, at one time or another, been performers, and many of us still are - politicians, playboys, cardinals and kings.
beautiful done actors
Of all the things I've done in life, directing a motion picture is the most beautiful. It's the most exciting and the nearest than an interpretive craftsman, such as an actor can possibly get to being a creator.
stars trying actresses
We used to have actresses trying to become stars; now we have stars trying to become actresses.
funny humorous acting
Acting is a masochistic form of exhibitionism. It is not quite the occupation of an adult.
weakness use aspiration
Use your weaknesses; aspire to the strength.
intuition natural-instinct instinct
Surely we have always acted; it is an instinct inherent in all of us. Some of us are better at it than others, but we all do it.
sports humility self-confidence
The humility to prepare and the self-confidence to bring it off.
perfection excellence waste
Don't waste your time striving for perfection; instead, strive for excellence - doing your best.