Laurence Olivier quotes

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. (Laurence Olivier)
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. View quote
Laurence Olivier
Acting is illusion, as much illusion as magic is - and not so much a matter of being real. View quote
Laurence Olivier
Have a very good reason for everything you do. View quote
Laurence Olivier
Acting is a masochistic form of exhibitionism. It is not quite the occupation of an adult. View quote
Laurence Olivier
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. View quote
Laurence Olivier
Never. The shot is too big for the cannon. View quote
Laurence Olivier
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. View quote
Laurence Olivier
We used to have actresses trying to become stars; now we have stars trying to become actresses. View quote
Laurence Olivier
Use your weaknesses; aspire to the strength. View quote
Laurence Olivier
Living is strife and torment, disappointment and love and sacrifice, golden sunsets and black storms. I said that some time ago, and today I do not think I would add one word. (Laurence Olivier)
Lead the audience by the nose to the thought. View quote
Laurence Olivier
I take a simple view of life: keep your eyes open and get on with it. View quote
Laurence Olivier
I think that bloody old National nearly killed me. View quote
Laurence Olivier
Like coming for a living. View quote
Laurence Olivier
We have all, at one time or another, been performers, and many of us still are - politicians, playboys, cardinals and kings. View quote
Laurence Olivier
A man's prime interest in life must be his work. View quote
Laurence Olivier
If you're an artist, you've got to prove it. View quote
Laurence Olivier
Don't waste your time striving for perfection; instead, strive for excellence - doing your best. View quote
Laurence Olivier
The humility to prepare and the self-confidence to bring it off. View quote
Laurence Olivier
The art of persuasion. The actor persuades himself, first, and through himself, the audience. (Laurence Olivier)
Don't be afraid to be outrageous; the critics will shoot you down anyway. View quote
Laurence Olivier
Acting is an everlasting search for truth. View quote
Laurence Olivier
No matter how well you perform, there's always somebody of intelligent opinion who thinks it's lousy. View quote
Laurence Olivier
What is acting but lying and what is good lying but convincing lying? View quote
Laurence Olivier