Don Ameche Quotes

Powerful Don Ameche for Daily Growth

About Don Ameche

Don Ameche (May 31, 1908 – December 6, 1993) was an American actor known for his versatile performances in film, radio, and television. Born in Ithaca, New York, as Donald O'Amiche, he grew up in the small town of Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he developed a passion for acting at a young age. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Ameche returned to the United States and found success on the radio with shows like "Fibber McGee and Molly" and "The Hitchhiker." His breakthrough role came in 1935 when he was cast as the lead in the Broadway play, "The Male Animal," which earned him a Tony Award nomination. Ameche made his film debut in 1936 with the MGM musical "Swing Time," starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. He went on to appear in numerous films, including "The Story of Alexander Graham Bell" (1939), for which he received an Academy Award nomination, and the classic Christmas film "Christmas in Connecticut" (1945). In the 1950s, Ameche transitioned successfully to television, earning two Emmy Awards for his work on "General Electric Theater." He continued acting into the 1980s, including memorable roles in films like "Cocoon" (1985) and "Trading Places" (1983). Ameche's career spanned over five decades, and he was known for his charm, versatility, and distinctive voice. He passed away in 1993 at the age of 85. Some of his most memorable quotes include: 1. "Success is not a destination, it's a journey." 2. "The secret of success is to find a way of doing that which you love and finding someone who will pay you for doing it." 3. "There are no small parts, only small actors." 4. "I think everybody should get rich and wise and comfortable and happy, and then we should figure out what to do with our lives." Ameche's legacy continues to inspire actors and entertainers today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The beauty of acting is that you can be a different character every time."

Don Ameche's quote emphasizes the flexibility and versatility inherent in acting. By stating "you can be a different character every time," he suggests that acting allows individuals to take on various personas, transcending their personal identities and immersing themselves in diverse roles. This quote highlights the transformative power of acting, where actors are not confined to one identity but have the ability to explore multiple characters, thereby enriching both their own experiences and those of their audience.


"Success is not a destination, it's a journey."

Don Ameche's quote suggests that success isn't merely about reaching a specific goal or achievement, but rather it's about the personal growth, experiences, and lessons learned during the pursuit of that goal. It emphasizes that the process of striving towards success is as important as the destination itself. The journey to success involves hard work, perseverance, and resilience, which ultimately shape a person's character and define their success in life.


"I don't think we ever stop growing. I think it's a lifelong process."

This quote emphasizes that personal growth is an ongoing, continuous process throughout one's entire life. It suggests that learning, self-improvement, and character development are not limited to childhood or adolescence but are essential aspects of adulthood as well. In essence, Don Ameche encourages us to approach life with a mindset of constant growth and personal improvement, fostering an attitude of openness, curiosity, and resilience in the face of new experiences and challenges.


"I learned to always take one day at a time, and I got through it."

This quote by Don Ameche emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, one day at a time, as a way to cope with difficulties and challenges. The message encourages resilience and perseverance, suggesting that by focusing on each day individually, one can manage and overcome hardships step by step, eventually making it through to the other side.


"I always say that the best thing about getting old is that you can get away with being younger than you are."

This quote by Don Ameche humorously suggests that as one ages, societal expectations may decrease, allowing individuals to present themselves as more youthful and vibrant than their actual age. It's a playful observation about the perception of aging in society, where people might be forgiven for appearing younger or more energetic than they technically are. This can also hint at an embracing of one's inner child and continued zest for life as a part of growing older gracefully.


My father ran a saloon in Kenosha, Wis., which is just about as rough a living as I can think of. It was brutal; it scared the hell out of me. I was so petrified all the while I was a child, I didn't know what I was doing half the time.

- Don Ameche

Doing, Rough, Half, Saloon

I never considered acting while growing up. I just knew I didn't want to go into the saloon business: I wanted to get away from Kenosha. And once I left, never, ever did it cross my mind to go back. I went to college and thought I'd study law.

- Don Ameche

College, Study, Away, Saloon

I was surprised I was nominated for an Oscar because 'Cocoon' was such an ensemble picture. But now I'm certain it wasn't only for 'Cocoon.' It was a lifetime award, so I accepted it in that vein, and it probably meant more from a recognition standpoint.

- Don Ameche

Recognition, Lifetime, Standpoint

I think this is the sweetest tribute I have ever seen in this town.

- Don Ameche

Think, I Think, Ever, Sweetest

The camera was kind to me. But I was never a screen personality like Gable or Flynn. The camera did something with their faces that was special.

- Don Ameche

Kind, Like, Screen, Faces

In the old days, before there was such a thing as film schools, directors learned the camera by watching other directors, and learning from their own dailies, and listening to the cameraman, and seeing what would work. Some of those guys could cut their movies in their head.

- Don Ameche

Some, Other, Cut, Such A Thing

There will be no 'Mommie Dearest' in the lives of my children, and no books like the one the Crosby boy wrote about Bing, or Bette Davis's daughter has written. My children love me very much, and they are loved.

- Don Ameche

Love, Dearest, Crosby, Bing

I've deliberately studied many things that I know, going in, I won't be able to assimilate. I read Plato, St. Thomas, the mystics, to exercise my mind.

- Don Ameche

Mind, Deliberately, Read, Thomas

By 1949, there was no more work for me out there, and I went to New York in 1950 and just did whatever I could. Mainly television. Some Broadway. A lot of dinner theater work, which is not a very satisfactory medium.

- Don Ameche

Some, Broadway, Very, Medium

I'm a very contented, peaceful man. I made mistakes, yes, but I accepted them, and, I hope, graciously.

- Don Ameche

Made, Contented, Very, Peaceful

I'm not like Henry Fonda. He lives to act. I've just had a dedication to do the best I could. When I don't have challenges, the days get long. But I do enjoy being on stage. If I do good work, I get a kick out of that.

- Don Ameche

Challenges, Good Work, Enjoy, Fonda

I never 'went Hollywood.' Perhaps some of my behavior was detrimental to my career, but I couldn't go the route of Hollywood parties.

- Don Ameche

Career, Some, Hollywood, Parties

God was awfully good to me during the good days. I cherish the old days, but I don't miss them.

- Don Ameche

Good, Old, Them, Cherish

There are directors you never, ever want to get close to. Lubitsch was one. Outside of the work, I don't think I ever said five words to him. Mamet was pretty much the same thing. His mind is working all the time.

- Don Ameche

Him, Same, Directors, Same Thing

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.