40 Quotes about Acting - How do you define the craft?
If you were to define acting, how would you define it?
Seems like any little definition wouldn’t be able to encapsulate the whole of it. This complex craft holds so many facets and is deeply personal to the each individual.
For some it’s just a job, for others a transcendence. As I see it, it’s a moment to express using all your faculties, behaviours and imagination, and communicate a story. Above all, it’s play with an intention to hold the mirror up to society in a deeply personal way that only art can do.
I have compiled a list of all the definitions I have found over the years. Do any of them speak to you?
"Acting is not about being someone different. It's finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there." - Meryl Streep
"Acting is standing up naked and turning around very slowly." - Rosalind Russell
"Acting is the expression of a neurotic impulse. It's a bum's life." - Marlon Brando
"Acting is behaving truthfully under imaginary circumstances." - Sanford Meisner
"Acting is a sport. On stage, you must be ready to move like a tennis player on his toes." - Al Pacino
"Acting is the art of being other people, yet remaining yourself." - Konstantin Stanislavski
"Acting is the silent thunderstorm inside of me." - Isabelle Huppert
"Acting is the most personal of our crafts. The make-up of a human being - his physical, mental, and emotional habits - influence his acting to a much greater extent than commonly recognized." - Lee Strasberg
"Acting is like a therapy; it's so much more than just putting on a costume and saying lines." - Max von Sydow
"Acting is an art which consists of keeping the audience from coughing." - Ralph Richardson
"Acting is a very spiritual profession. It's a quest to explore the human soul, to understand our own humanity and the shared human experience." - Viola Davis
"Acting is a deeply spiritual art form. It's about channeling emotions, connecting with the essence of a character, and tapping into something greater than ourselves." - Cate Blanchett
"Acting is a spiritual journey of self-discovery. It's about peeling back the layers of our own ego and connecting with the universal truths that bind us all." - Anthony Hopkins
"Acting is a form of meditation. It's about being present in the moment, surrendering to the truth of a character, and allowing something greater to flow through you." - Jessica Chastain
"Acting is a sacred dance between the actor and the audience. It's a chance to touch people's hearts, awaken their spirits, and inspire them on a deeper level." - Ian McKellen
"Acting is the bridge between the physical and the spiritual. It's a way to express the ineffable, to give voice to the mysteries of the soul." - Sally Field
"Acting is a spiritual calling. It's about using our gifts to illuminate the human experience, to bring light to the darkness, and to remind us of our interconnectedness." - Denzel Washington
"Acting is a form of soul alchemy. It's about transforming our own pain, joy, and vulnerabilities into something that resonates with others on a spiritual level." - Juliette Binoche
"Acting is a spiritual practice of empathy and compassion. It's about stepping into someone else's shoes, seeing the world through their eyes, and embracing the oneness of all beings." - Forest Whitaker
"Acting is a spiritual journey of self-realization. It's about discovering and embracing the divine spark within ourselves and others." - Kate Winslet
"Acting is the ultimate mindfulness practice. It requires complete presence in the moment, a deep awareness of oneself, and a profound connection to the world around you." - Helen Mirren
"Acting is a form of embodied meditation. It's about fully inhabiting the physical and emotional space, being fully present, and embracing the sensations and experiences that arise." - Ian McKellen
"Acting is a pathway to embodied truth. It invites us to cultivate mindfulness, to be fully aware of our body, breath, and emotions, and to express our authentic selves." - Lupita Nyong'o
"Acting is a practice of deep listening, both to ourselves and to others. It's about being attuned to the present moment, fully engaged with our senses, and responsive to the energy of the scene." - Michael Caine
"Acting is an embodied art form. It's about using the body as an instrument to express emotions, thoughts, and intentions, and to create a visceral connection with the audience." - Viola Davis
"Acting is a journey of self-discovery through the body. It's about exploring physical sensations, unlocking emotional states, and tapping into the wisdom that resides within our own flesh and bones." - Greta Gerwig
"Acting is a mindful exploration of the human condition. It invites us to delve deep into our own psyche, to cultivate self-awareness, and to develop a compassionate understanding of the human experience." - Alan Rickman
"Acting is a practice of embodied empathy. It's about stepping into another person's shoes, inhabiting their physicality, and cultivating a deep sense of compassion and understanding for their journey." - Sally Field
"Acting is an invitation to embrace vulnerability and surrender to the present moment. It's about letting go of control, trusting our instincts, and allowing the truth to emerge from our embodied experience." - Anthony Hopkins
"Acting is a form of embodied storytelling. It's about using the body as a vehicle to convey the depth and complexity of the human experience, to touch the hearts and minds of others." - Tilda Swinton
"Acting is not about becoming someone else; it's about becoming more of yourself." - Viola Davis
"Acting is a constant journey of self-discovery. The more we understand ourselves, the more depth we can bring to our characters." - Cate Blanchett
"Acting is a transformative process that allows us to explore different aspects of ourselves and grow as individuals." - Meryl Streep
"Acting is a mirror that reflects back to us our own strengths, weaknesses, and potential for growth." - Helen Mirren
"To be a good actor, you have to be willing to delve into the depths of your own soul and confront your own truths." - Daniel Day-Lewis
"Acting is an ongoing process of personal development. It requires self-reflection, self-awareness, and a willingness to constantly learn and evolve." - Anthony Hopkins
"Acting is an opportunity for self-exploration and self-expression. It allows us to tap into our deepest emotions and connect with our authentic selves." - Natalie Portman
"Acting is a form of self-development because it challenges us to step outside of our comfort zones and embrace vulnerability." - Jared Leto
"Acting is a journey of self-discovery. Through the characters we portray, we learn more about ourselves and the human condition." - Denzel Washington
"Acting is a powerful tool for personal growth and self-expression. It allows us to explore different facets of our identity and expand our emotional range." - Kate Winslet