Broderick Crawford Quotes

Powerful Broderick Crawford for Daily Growth

About Broderick Crawford

Broderick Crawford, born on September 9, 1911, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was an esteemed American actor known for his intense and dynamic performances. His career spanned over four decades, earning him an Academy Award, Golden Globe Awards, and Emmy Awards. Crawford's interest in acting began during his teenage years when he joined a local theater group. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, he returned to pursue a career in acting. His breakthrough role came in 1947 as John 'Marky' Markham in the film "Red River," a western directed by Howard Hawks. However, Crawford is best remembered for his portrayal of Chief Dan Mathews in the television series "Highway Patrol" (1955-1959), a role that brought him international fame and an Emmy Award. His gravelly voice and commanding presence made him a beloved figure on American screens. Crawford's acting talents were not limited to screen work; he also had a successful career in radio dramas. In 1949, he won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter in the film "All the King's Men." Off-screen, Crawford was known for his activism. He was a vocal supporter of civil rights and campaigned against McCarthyism during the Red Scare era. Despite battling health issues, including throat cancer, he continued to act until his death on April 26, 1986. Broderick Crawford's legacy lives on through his powerful performances and his dedication to social justice. His quotes, such as "There's no such thing as can't," continue to inspire actors and audiences alike.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Fear makes us all cowards at times."

Broderick Crawford's quote suggests that fear, a natural human emotion, can make even the bravest individuals act cowardly at some point in their lives. It implies that everyone has moments of weakness where fear overpowers them, regardless of their usual courage or bravery. This quote serves as a reminder that it is normal to feel afraid, but it also encourages us to overcome those fears and face our challenges head-on.


"The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places."

This quote by Broderick Crawford suggests that life's challenges and hardships cause everyone to experience a sort of 'breakage'. However, it also implies that some individuals are able to heal in such a way that they become stronger than before. The resilience and growth that emerge from adversity are the focus here; the quote serves as a reminder that hardship doesn't necessarily define one's character, but rather the response and adaptability to those challenges can create strength at the broken places.


"Life is a pretty tough teacher: it gives the test first, the lesson afterward."

This quote by Broderick Crawford highlights the unyielding nature of life's lessons. It suggests that we often encounter challenges or difficult situations (the "test") before we gain the wisdom or understanding (the "lesson") from them. Life doesn't usually provide explanations or instructions beforehand, but instead, it presents us with experiences and allows us to learn from them retrospectively. The quote underscores the importance of resilience, patience, and openness in learning from life's trials and tribulations.


"A man's got to do what a man's got to do."

This quote suggests that individuals have a responsibility to make decisions and take actions according to their own judgment, even if those choices may be difficult or unpopular. It highlights the importance of personal autonomy, self-reliance, and integrity in one's life, emphasizing that people should not shy away from fulfilling their duties, responsibilities, or obligations when necessary.


"If you believe in yourself, there's nothing you can't accomplish." (This quote is often misattributed to Crawford, but it appears he didn't originate it.)

This quote underscores the importance of self-belief in achieving one's goals. It suggests that if a person truly believes in their own abilities, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve whatever they set their mind to. The sentiment encourages personal empowerment and emphasizes that self-confidence is an essential key to success. It serves as a reminder that limitations are often more self-imposed than actual barriers, and with belief in oneself, those perceived limitations can be surmounted.


I'm what you call a deathbed Catholic.

- Broderick Crawford

You, Call, Catholic, Deathbed

If you're going to be a bum, be the biggest. If you're going to blow it, blow it big.

- Broderick Crawford

Big, Going, Biggest, Blow

I've made upwards of a million bucks in the cops-and-robbers business.

- Broderick Crawford

Business, Million, Bucks, Million Bucks

I'm too young for Medicare and too old for broads to care.

- Broderick Crawford

Young, Old, Too, Medicare

So don't applaud. Just send me the check.

- Broderick Crawford

Me, Check, Just, Applaud

I'm a lousy reader.

- Broderick Crawford

Reader, Lousy

I collect antiques. Why? Because they're beautiful.

- Broderick Crawford

Beautiful, Why, Antiques, Collect

When people tell you they saw your last picture - well, the way they say it sounds like they hope it was.

- Broderick Crawford

Tell, Like, Last, They Say

I get a wild hair up my nose and I want to go.

- Broderick Crawford

Hair, Nose, Get, Wild

I was always the second heavy.

- Broderick Crawford

Always, Second, Heavy

I only go to mass when somebody asks me, but when I get in trouble I call for a priest.

- Broderick Crawford

Call, Get, Mass, Priest

I want to make someone walk straight, but I've left my sons nothing but wars.

- Broderick Crawford

Someone, Left, Straight, Sons

It's hard to explain why I like Europe so much.

- Broderick Crawford

Why, Hard, Like, Explain

My father was always telling himself no one was perfect, not even my mother.

- Broderick Crawford

Mother, Always, Telling, Dad

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