David Hemmings Quotes

Powerful David Hemmings for Daily Growth

About David Hemmings

David William John Hemmings (September 18, 1941 – August 16, 2003) was an English actor, director, producer, and musician, best known for his role as Cecil in "Blow-Up" (1966), Michelangelo Antonioni's groundbreaking British-Italian film. Born in London, Hemmings spent part of his early life in Australia, where he attended Geelong Grammar School and developed a love for music, playing the guitar and piano. Returning to England at age 16, Hemmings initially pursued a career in music, performing with various bands including The Yardbirds, before transitioning into acting in the mid-'60s. He made his film debut in "The Chalk Garden" (1964) and gained prominence for his role in "Blow-Up," which earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising Newcomer – Male. Hemmings continued acting throughout the 1970s, appearing in films such as "Fahrenheit 451" (1966), "The Last Valley" (1971), and "Moonraker" (1979). He also directed several films, including "Act of Revenge" (1974) and "The Sell-Out" (1980). In the 1980s, Hemmings moved to the United States and focused on producing films. Throughout his career, Hemmings was known for his charisma and versatility, able to excel in both dramatic and comedic roles. His work often reflected his interests in music, fashion, and the counterculture of the 1960s. Despite battling alcoholism for much of his life, Hemmings remained a significant figure in the British film industry until his death from lung cancer at age 61. Quotes by David Hemmings: - "I don't think you can act unless you're slightly mad." - "The actor who gets into his part must make it as real to him as life itself; he must live it, feel it, breathe it. This is what I try to do." - "I believe in the power of film. It can change people's lives."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Acting is a terrible way of making a living, but it's an unbelievable way of making a life."

This quote suggests that acting as a profession can be financially unreliable and challenging, but the experiences, creative growth, and personal fulfillment derived from it are invaluable, making it an exceptional way to live one's life. Acting offers a unique platform for self-expression, emotional exploration, and the opportunity to connect with audiences on a profound level, enriching both the actor and their audience's lives. Despite its difficulties, acting remains a deeply rewarding pursuit due to these intangible yet powerful aspects.


"There's an old saying: 'The first kiss should be like fire, the last kiss like a flower.' I don't think that's quite right."

David Hemmings suggests that the traditional idea of a first kiss being passionate and intense, while the final kiss being gentle and delicate, may not fully capture the complexities of romantic relationships. He implies that the experience of love is more dynamic, with emotions ranging from fiery passion to tender affection throughout the course of a relationship. This quote invites us to reconsider our expectations about love and romance, encouraging us to embrace the full spectrum of feelings that love can bring.


"I've always thought you can get a little bit too much into method acting. It can become self-indulgent."

David Hemmings suggests that while method acting, an approach to acting in which actors draw upon their own experiences and emotions to portray characters, is effective, it can sometimes be taken excessively. This overemphasis on personal experiences may lead to self-indulgence, where the actor's own interests or needs overshadow the authenticity of the character being portrayed, potentially disrupting the intended cohesion between art and reality.


"Acting is not a very stable profession to begin with, but for me it was the only one I wanted to be in."

David Hemmings expresses his deep passion and commitment towards acting, acknowledging that acting as a profession can be unstable or uncertain. Despite this, he makes clear that it was the only field he wished to pursue, underscoring the significance of following one's dreams and passions, even when faced with challenges or instability in a chosen career path.


"You go into a film and you find out what the director wants and you try to give him that - if you can."

This quote suggests that an actor approaches a film with a willingness to meet the director's creative vision for the project. Hemmings implies that understanding the director's intentions is crucial, and then he strives to deliver performances that fulfill those expectations. This approach fosters collaboration, ensures consistency within the director's artistic vision, and ultimately contributes to a successful film.


I don't mind autograph hunters when I go down the fish and chip shop. As long as I get my chips.

- David Hemmings

Mind, Hunters, Chip, Autograph

I would never, ever, ever, ever say I have regretted the 'A-Team,' 'Magnum PI' or 'Murder She Wrote' or any of the others I did - and if you mention a television series, I'm sure I had a hand in it.

- David Hemmings

Had, Mention, Would, Regretted

Producing is a thankless task akin to hotel management. Unfortunately, there are not too many good hotel managers.

- David Hemmings

Management, Task, Producing, Managers

I live in a market town in a mill house with the river running both sides and Somerfield's car park only a loose nine iron away, and I really, really, really love it.

- David Hemmings

Love, Both Sides, Nine, Loose

People thought I was dead. But I wasn't. I was just directing 'The A-Team.'

- David Hemmings

People, Thought, Dead, Directing

I quite like being mobbed. After all, it is extremely nice to be recognised. That's what acting is all about - being recognised.

- David Hemmings

Like, About, Being, Recognised

I was, in my day, one of the best directors of episodic TV around.

- David Hemmings

TV, Directors, Day One, Episodic

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