Del Shores Quotes

Powerful Del Shores for Daily Growth

About Del Shores

Del Shores, a prolific playwright, filmmaker, and actor, was born on March 14, 1957, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Raised in the Southern Baptist faith, Shores' upbringing significantly influenced his future work, which often explores themes of identity, family, and Southern culture from a queer perspective. After attending Northwestern University for a year, Shores left to pursue a career in theatre, eventually finding success in New York City's Off-Broadway circuit. His breakthrough play, "Southern Baptist Sissies," premiered off-Broadway in 1992 and was later adapted into a film in 2014. Shores' work is deeply rooted in his personal experiences, drawing heavily from his upbringing in the Bible Belt. His plays and films often depict the struggles and triumphs of LGBTQ+ individuals within conservative communities. Some of his most notable works include "Daddy's Dyin', Who's Got the Will?," "Sordid Lives" (both play and film), and the television series, "Sordid Lives: The Series." Shores' impact on queer cinema is substantial. His work has been hailed for its humor, poignancy, and authenticity, offering a unique and vital representation of Southern queer culture. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Shores is an active advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has received numerous awards for his contributions to the arts. Del Shores continues to write, direct, and act, his work remaining relevant and resonant in contemporary discussions about identity, community, and the power of storytelling. His legacy as a trailblazing queer Southern artist is secure, and his influence on future generations of artists continues to grow.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"We're all born originals – why do we die copies?"

Del Shores' quote suggests that every individual is unique at birth, possessing a distinct identity, personality, and set of talents. However, as we grow older, societal pressures, conformity, or personal choices can cause us to lose sight of this originality. We start to mimic others, adopt norms, and suppress our true selves, leading us to die as copies rather than staying true to our unique origins. This quote serves as a call to embrace individualism and authenticity in life.


"The only thing that separates us from the great ones is our fear."

Del Shores' quote emphasizes that the distinguishing factor between ordinary individuals and extraordinary, successful people is their ability to overcome fear. Fear can be an inhibitor, holding us back from pursuing our dreams, taking risks, and striving for greatness. The "great ones" are those who have conquered or at least managed their fear, allowing them to make bold moves, push boundaries, and create significant impact in their respective fields. In essence, the quote encourages us all to face our fears head-on as a pathway towards personal growth and greatness.


"Life is too short to be small."

Del Shores' quote, "Life is too short to be small," encourages individuals to live boldly and not let fear or timidity hinder their potential or growth. It implies that life is a precious gift, and one should make the most of it by taking risks, striving for greatness, and embracing experiences that allow personal expansion and fulfillment. In other words, don't let limitations or apprehension hold you back; strive to live a meaningful and impactful life.


"It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it." - Lou Holtz (often misattributed to Del Shores)

This quote emphasizes that it is not necessarily the burden or hardship in our lives that causes us distress, but rather how we choose to bear those difficulties. In other words, our attitude, resilience, and coping mechanisms significantly impact our ability to endure and overcome adversity.


"We are all in the midst of a great battle, and some of us never realize we're in a war."

This quote suggests that life often presents challenges, struggles, or conflicts (the "great battle") which may not always be immediately apparent to everyone ("some of us never realize we're in a war"). It highlights the importance of recognizing and understanding the challenges we face, as they can impact our lives significantly. The message encourages self-awareness, empathy towards others who might be facing unseen struggles, and resilience in navigating through life's difficulties.


I came from the theatre, which had given me opportunities in television as well as a film adaptation of my second play 'Daddy's Dyin'... Who's Got The Will?' for MGM.

- Del Shores

Play, Which, Given, MGM

As a kid, I was always inspired by the comedy of Carol Burnett. I loved Dick Clair and Jenna McMahon's 'Mama's Family'.

- Del Shores

Comedy, Kid, Always, Carol

'Sordid' is rather unique. That's why so many gay fans are comfortable to share 'Sordid Lives' with their families. It's not really a gay story. It's just much more a family story that happens to have gay members, which most people do.

- Del Shores

Why, Rather, Members, Sordid

In late 1999, I was walking down Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks with my late producing partner Sharyn Lane after a day of editing 'Sordid Lives.' We passed the Psychic Book Store and decided to go in and get a reading. We weren't believers, but what the hell? We needed a sign.

- Del Shores

Book, Needed, Boulevard, Sordid

I can't tell you how many letters I've gotten where someone showed 'Sordid Lives' to their mom, dad, or family and used it as a tool to come out.

- Del Shores

Gotten, Lives, Dad, Sordid

I started writing 'Southern Baptist Sissies' right after I had written the screenplay for 'Sordid Lives', so that's when I started on a darker path in telling the truth about my journey in the church, but there was still a lot of funny.

- Del Shores

Southern, Telling, Sissies, Sordid

I have no regrets of fighting for four years to get 'Sordid Lives' on the small screen. It was a fantasy. I mean, I got to work with amazing actors like Rue McClanahan!

- Del Shores

Small, No Regrets, Fantasy, Sordid

Through the years, I have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have shared how much they relate to my 'Sordid Lives' family, and how many gay men and women used it to come out to their conservative families through the humor of the film.

- Del Shores

Through, Been, Shared, Sordid

Not a day goes by where someone doesn't write me asking me for more 'Sordid Lives.'

- Del Shores

Asking, Someone, Lives, Sordid

I don't discriminate against straight or gay people in casting; I'm open to good acting.

- Del Shores

Good, People, Against, Casting

I love my play 'The Trials and Tribulations Of A Trailer Trash Housewife' because I get these letters from all of these women who literally have left their spouses who were abusing them. You know, I'm just breaking up marriages right and left. But, that need to be broken up.

- Del Shores

Love, Play, Tribulations, Trailer

When I wrote 'Southern Baptist Sissies,' that was the first time that I really ventured out into pure drama with themes where there was not one laugh sometimes. But I've always gravitated organically to blending tones and usually get good reviews about that. That's what life is about.

- Del Shores

Sometimes, Southern, Sissies, Tones

With my work, I always want to people to just forget about anything stressful going on in their lives and be fully entertained. Laughter is key. If they shed a tear or go home thinking about the play, that's a bonus.

- Del Shores

Play, Bonus, Shed, Entertained

I consider myself a religious person, but when it comes to God and faith, I don't know. I guess that means I'm agnostic.

- Del Shores

Myself, Religious, Means, Agnostic

I love directing actors. In the last few years, I have started expanding my directing into workshops for actors who truly want to grow and learn. My mom was a high school drama teacher, and teaching makes me very happy. My workshops are nurturing.

- Del Shores

Love, Very, Expanding, Workshops

I tell stories, and I do it through writing, through acting, through my stand-up, and through directing. All the hats I wear - producing as well - ultimately, I am a storyteller.

- Del Shores

Through, Tell, Stories, Directing

Good southern boys always have this connection with their mom.

- Del Shores

Mom, Always, Southern, Connection

I was there in 2009 for the Matthew Shepard Foundation dinner. I was honored with an award - Making A Difference Award. It was a wonderful night.

- Del Shores

Night, Making, Matthew, Dinner

'Queer as Folk' is gay gay gay gay gay.

- Del Shores

Gay, Queer, Folk

So many kids are still sitting in pews being told they are not worthy of God's love. 'Sissies' will show them they are not alone, and I hope that healing will follow.

- Del Shores

Love, Still, Sissies, I Hope That

I'd like to have one of my plays on Broadway.

- Del Shores

Like, Plays, Broadway

If you cast the right actor, it not only compliments your work, it elevates your work.

- Del Shores

Work, Compliments, Actor, Cast

I'm a gay man and a proud gay man and a loud gay man.

- Del Shores

Man, Proud, Gay, Loud

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