Claudette Colbert Quotes

Powerful Claudette Colbert for Daily Growth

About Claudette Colbert

Claudette Colbert (September 13, 1903 – July 30, 1996), an iconic figure in the golden age of Hollywood, was born as Émilie Claudette Chauchoin in Paris, France. Known for her radiant beauty and versatile acting skills, she left behind a rich legacy of films that continue to captivate audiences today. Raised by her French mother and American father, Colbert moved with her family to New York City at the age of eight. It was here that she would embark on an illustrious career in show business, initially as a chorus girl in Broadway shows. Her big break came when she was spotted by Samuel Goldwyn during a production of 'The Barker' and offered a movie contract. In 1929, Colbert made her film debut in "The Right Girl" but it was her role as the title character in Frank Capra's "It Happened One Night" (1934) that propelled her to stardom. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for this performance, becoming the first person ever to do so for a comedy film. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Colbert starred in numerous classic films including "The Smiling Lieutenant," "Cleopatra," and "Since You Went Away." She was known for her ability to play strong-willed characters while maintaining a charming innocence that made her relatable to audiences. Despite her success, Claudette Colbert retired from acting in 1956, citing disillusionment with Hollywood. However, she returned to the stage and television later in life. Her final appearance was on Broadway in 1970. Throughout her career, Claudette Colbert worked alongside many of Hollywood's greatest directors, including George Cukor, Frank Capra, and Ernst Lubitsch. Her influence can still be felt today as her films continue to inspire new generations of filmmakers and actors.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I never have a moment's hesitation about anything. It's all instinct with me."

Claudette Colbert's quote reflects her strong, intuitive approach to decision-making. She suggests that she doesn't spend much time deliberating or analyzing situations before taking action; instead, she trusts her gut feelings or "instinct" in making choices and acting upon them. This perspective emphasizes the importance of listening to one's inner voice and having confidence in personal judgement.


"Acting is a very intuitive thing, and it's a very mysterious thing. I always say that acting is not learned, it's inherited."

Claudette Colbert suggests that acting is not an acquired skill or knowledge, but rather a natural ability that one is born with. She equates the process of acting to intuition - a feeling or instinctive understanding - and mystery, highlighting the unexplainable nature of the craft. In essence, she believes that acting talent is innate, passed down through generations, rather than something that can be taught or mastered through traditional means.


"If you have the confidence in yourself, then the world will respect you."

This quote suggests that self-confidence is a powerful tool for commanding respect from others. By believing in oneself, one projects an air of self-assurance that can inspire trust and admiration in those around them. In other words, confidence can act as a catalyst for respect, helping to establish positive relationships both personally and professionally.


"I was a very shy child, but acting somehow cured my shyness."

This quote suggests that for Claudette Colbert, acting served as a means to overcome her initial shyness. Through the process of acting, she found a way to express herself, build confidence, and ultimately, conquer her inhibitions in social interactions. Acting, in this case, became a vehicle for self-discovery and personal growth.


"The secret of acting is sincerity. If you can fake that, you've got it made."

Claudette Colbert suggests that the key to successful acting lies in genuine emotion. In other words, if an actor can convincingly portray sincere feelings on stage or screen, they have mastered the art of acting. The quote implies that if an actor can fake sincerity effectively, they have achieved success in their craft.


Men don't get smarter when they grow older. They just lose their hair.

- Claudette Colbert

Hair, Men, Grow, Smarter

I bet you think an egg is something you casually order for breakfast when you can't think of anything else. Well, so did I once, but that was before the egg and I.

- Claudette Colbert

Egg, Think, Before, Casually

It took me years to figure out that you don't fall into a tub of butter, you jump for it.

- Claudette Colbert

Tub, Took, Figure, Jump

Audiences always sound like they're glad to see me, and I'm damned glad to see them.

- Claudette Colbert

See, Always, Like, Glad

It matters more what's in a woman's face than what's on it.

- Claudette Colbert

Woman, Face, More, Matters

Why do grandparents and grandchildren get along so well? The mother.

- Claudette Colbert

Mother, Mom, Grandchildren, Grandparents

I married a wonderful doctor, and I was very happy - period.

- Claudette Colbert

Happy, Very, Period, Doctor

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