Darrell Hammond Quotes

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I am not a mimic who can do impressions. I'm an actor who uses impressions."

Darrell Hammond is stating that he doesn't simply copy the mannerisms, voice, or appearance of others (mimicking) for entertainment. Instead, he leverages these abilities as a tool within his acting craft to bring characters to life more authentically, thereby enhancing his overall performance. In essence, he views his skills in impressionism not as an end in themselves, but as a means to enrich his work as an actor.

"Sometimes I have to remind myself that I'm playing a character and not be the character 24/7."

This quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining a distinction between one's professional role as an actor and personal identity outside of it. Darrell Hammond, in his statement, acknowledges the challenge of separating himself from the characters he portrays on screen, especially when playing them for extended periods. However, recognizing that he is only playing a character allows him to avoid becoming consumed by the role, ensuring a balanced and healthy approach to acting.

"When you're doing an impersonation, you have to really get inside the person. You have to try to find out what makes them tick."

This quote suggests that effective impersonation requires a deep understanding of the subject being imitated. Darrell Hammond implies that one should strive not just to mimic the appearance or voice of the person, but also their essence - their personality traits, mannerisms, thought processes, and motivations. In other words, to deliver a convincing impersonation, an artist must empathize with the subject, attempting to understand their underlying feelings, experiences, and what drives them.

"I think being an impressionist gives me a license to play more roles, but it's also a limitation because people see you as that guy who does impressions."

This quote by Darrell Hammond highlights the dual nature of his profession as an impressionist. On one hand, it grants him the freedom to portray various characters, essentially playing multiple roles. On the other hand, due to his recognized ability to mimic voices, audiences tend to typecast him as "that guy who does impressions," which can also be seen as a limitation in expanding his range beyond these impersonations.

"The best thing about doing an impersonation is when somebody says, 'Oh my God, it sounds just like them!'"

This quote highlights the satisfaction that comes from successfully mimicking someone, especially when it's so accurate that the audience mistakes it for the real person. It underscores the power of imitation in capturing not only a physical or vocal resemblance but also the essence, personality, and spirit of the individual being impersonated. This level of authenticity can create a surreal moment for both the performer and the audience, making it an incredibly rewarding experience.