Barbara Hershey Quotes

Powerful Barbara Hershey for Daily Growth

About Barbara Hershey

Barbara Hershey, born Barbara Ann Hershey on February 5, 1948, in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, is an acclaimed American actress known for her versatile roles spanning over four decades. Raised by Jewish parents, John Hershey and Ellen Roat, Hershey developed a keen interest in acting at a young age. She attended the University of California, Santa Barbara but decided to pursue an acting career after appearing in several student films. Hershey made her film debut in the 1972 horror film '3 Women,' directed by Robert Altman. Her performance earned her critical acclaim and set the stage for a successful career. In the following years, she starred in numerous films, including 'Boxcar Bertha' (1972), 'A Face of Rage' (1976), and 'The Last Embrace' (1980). Hershey gained international recognition for her role as Leigh Chen Simmons in the 1988 film 'Gardens of Stone,' directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Her portrayal of a grieving widow won her the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Throughout her career, Hershey has demonstrated her ability to tackle complex roles, often playing strong, independent women. Some of her notable works include 'The Portrait of a Lady' (1996), 'Consenting Adults' (1992), and 'Hannah and Her Sisters' (1986). Away from the screen, Hershey is known for her activism. She has been a vocal supporter of various causes, including women's rights, environmental conservation, and animal welfare. In 2003, she was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). Barbara Hershey continues to captivate audiences with her powerful performances, solidifying her status as a respected figure in the film industry. Her legacy as a versatile actress and committed activist is an inspiration to many.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I think that love is the only thing we're truly willing to die for."

Barbara Hersey's quote suggests a profound belief in the power and significance of love. It implies that love, above all else, is what motivates individuals to take the greatest risks and make the ultimate sacrifice – death. In other words, the depth of love can drive people to act selflessly, putting their own lives on the line for the well-being or protection of their loved ones. This profound quote underscores the transformative and life-affirming nature of genuine love.


"The older I get, the more I realize that I am never going to be perfect and that is okay."

This quote suggests that as one grows older, they gain a deeper understanding and acceptance of their imperfections, recognizing that striving for perfection is an unattainable ideal. Instead, embracing one's flaws and shortcomings becomes more important than trying to meet impossible standards. In essence, it encourages self-compassion and the rejection of toxic perfectionism.


"Being an actor is a very solitary profession. But when you work with people you trust and love, it can feel like family."

This quote by Barbra Streisand illustrates that while acting is often an individual pursuit, collaborating with trusted and loved colleagues can transform the experience into something akin to being part of a family. It suggests that in the solitude inherent in acting, these relationships bring warmth, comfort, and a sense of belonging that transcends the professional setting. This connection fosters a supportive environment where artists can thrive and grow together.


"I think one of the most important things in life is to find out what you truly love doing and then finding a way to do it every day for the rest of your life."

This quote emphasizes the significance of discovering and pursuing one's passion in life. The implication is that when we are engaged in an activity or career that we truly love, our days become fulfilling and meaningful. This pursuit can provide a sense of purpose, motivation, and joy, making it worth living for each day. It encourages individuals to identify their passions and actively seek opportunities to incorporate them into their daily lives, fostering a life well-lived.


"I believe that we choose our parents as much as they choose us."

This quote suggests a reciprocal relationship between parents and children, implying that the choice is not entirely one-sided in terms of who becomes a parent and who their child will be. It implies a belief that there is some level of intention or compatibility between the two parties, as if souls, personalities, or life paths intersect in a way that creates a familial bond. This perspective invites us to consider family relationships as deeply personal and significant choices rather than solely a matter of chance or biology.


Yes, it was love at first sight. I feel that after all these years, I have finally found my soul mate.

- Barbara Hershey

Love, Anniversary, Soul Mate, I Feel

I like the sensibility of Australian film a lot and the crews are fantastic. Great characters, wonderful people and no line between - I think in Hollywood they have this line between actors and crew a lot, and that just didn't exist, which I really appreciated.

- Barbara Hershey

Hollywood, Line, I Think, Australian

So I was always passionate about it and felt that it was sort of the golden thread inside me in terms of what I was supposed to do in terms of work but I think I have relaxed a lot in terms of the actual experience and actually enjoy it more and enjoy the people more.

- Barbara Hershey

Passionate, I Think, About, Relaxed

Sydney's a beautiful city. It was a great experience.

- Barbara Hershey

Beautiful, City, Sydney

I am not afraid of aging, but more afraid of people's reactions to my aging.

- Barbara Hershey

I Am, More, Afraid, Reactions

I just think Australia tends to make very good movies, so if someone hands me an Australian or an American film script I would guess the Australian film would be more intriguing.

- Barbara Hershey

Hands, Very, Good Movies, Intriguing

I loved that it was about human relationships and then it was a mystery without falling into the trap of a thriller per se, because it pulled you in through people rather than through events or effects.

- Barbara Hershey

Falling, Through, Rather, Per

It's also very painful, because I feel, and I know, probably all women my age and older feel like we're better and have more to give and are more fun now.

- Barbara Hershey

Give, Like, Very, All Women

I know actors come around and they always talk like that, but I don't do publicity if I don't like the film.

- Barbara Hershey

Know, Always, Like, Publicity

I look back on my life like everybody does but not just career. I mean I look back on my life as a whole, so I don't think that I dwell there or anything and in terms of work I hope that there is a lot in front of me.

- Barbara Hershey

My Life, Career, Everybody, I Hope That

That's what everyone said attracted them to Lantana - I call it an adult mystery, because it's not a thriller in the sense of that other way, but it is a mystery.

- Barbara Hershey

Other, Everyone, Them, Mystery

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