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
time kings politician
We have all, at one time or another, been performers, and many of us still are - politicians, playboys, cardinals and kings.
thinking mad gone
If I wasn't an actor, I think I'd have gone mad. You have to have extra voltage, some extra temperament to reach certain heights.
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.
believe cities theatre
I believe that in a great city, or even in a small city or a village, a great theater is the outward and visible sign of an inward and probable culture.
real magic acting
Acting is illusion, as much illusion as magic is, and not so much a matter of being real.
thinking intelligent innovation
No matter how well you perform, there's always somebody of intelligent opinion who thinks it's lousy.
art firsts actors
The art of persuasion. The actor persuades himself, first, and through himself, the audience.
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.
success business integrity
Have a very good reason for everything you do.
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.