Douglas Fairbanks Quotes

Powerful Douglas Fairbanks for Daily Growth

About Douglas Fairbanks

Douglas Elton Ulman Fairbanks was an American actor, film director, and producer who made a significant impact on the silent film era. Born on May 23, 1883, in Denver, Colorado, Douglas Fairbanks grew up in a family of performers. His father, Charles Fairbanks, was a prominent stage actor, while his mother, Ella Adelaide Marsh, had aspirations as an opera singer. This theatrical background laid the foundation for Douglas's future career. At 15, he made his acting debut in 'A Summer Day,' a play written by his father. However, it was his performance in 'The Count of Monte Cristo' at age 18 that caught the attention of David Belasco, a renowned Broadway producer. Fairbanks moved to New York City and enjoyed success on the stage before transitioning to films in 1915. In Hollywood, Douglas Fairbanks became synonymous with swashbuckler roles, playing heroes such as Zorro, Robin Hood, and The Thief of Bagdad. His energetic performances, physical prowess, and charisma made him a box-office sensation. In 1927, he co-founded United Artists, a motion picture production and distribution company, with Charlie Chaplin, D.W. Griffith, and Mary Pickford. Fairbanks was also married to the actress Mary Pickford, one of the most popular stars of the silent era. Together they were known as 'America's Royal Couple.' They were instrumental in establishing the Motion Picture Relief Fund, which provided financial assistance to film industry workers in need. Douglas Fairbanks retired from acting in 1933 and died on December 12, 1939. His legacy lives on, with many of his films considered cinematic milestones and influential in the development of action cinema. Some of his most notable works include 'The Mark of Zorro' (1920), 'Robin Hood' (1922), and 'The Thief of Bagdad' (1924).

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I believe in happiness and that's what being an actor is all about."

Douglas Fairbanks expresses that acting, for him, is fundamentally about seeking and embodying happiness. He views it as a profession that allows one to embrace joy, either through the characters they portray or the process of performing itself. This perspective suggests that Fairbanks valued the emotional connection between actors and their roles, and saw this connection as a vehicle for personal and audience happiness.


"A good sword-fighter always respects his adversary."

This quote by Douglas Fairbanks emphasizes that a skilled swordsman acknowledges and values his opponent's abilities, understanding that they are equally important in the dynamic of their encounter. This attitude fosters mutual respect and sportsmanship, which encourages fairness, safety, and growth in combat situations. The underlying message is that understanding, rather than underestimation or fear, breeds a more enriching and effective engagement with others.


"All the world's a stage, and life is but a comedy." (Adapted from Shakespeare's As You Like It)

This quote suggests that life is like a theatrical performance, with the world as the stage. The "comedy" here doesn't necessarily mean funny in our modern sense, but rather refers to the storyline or series of events as unfolding. Douglas Fairbanks is drawing from Shakespeare's play As You Like It, where the phrase implies that life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns - an ongoing performance with various acts, scenes, and characters. In essence, it encourages us to appreciate and embrace the journey of life, with all its unexpected twists and moments of humor or drama.


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

Douglas Fairbanks, a renowned actor, suggests in this quote that authentic emotion or feeling, often referred to as sincerity, is crucial for great acting performances. Essentially, he implies that if one can convincingly convey these genuine emotions on screen, they will have achieved the essence of what it takes to be a successful and impactful actor. In other words, being able to convincingly emote or "fake" sincerity is the key to success in acting.


"The big secret in life is that there is no secret. Whatever your problem, all you have to do is work at it. Keep your head down, stay positive, and just plow ahead."

This quote by Douglas Fairbanks emphasizes the straightforward nature of overcoming challenges in life. The key message here is that there's no shortcut or magic solution to problems - rather, it's about consistent effort, maintaining a positive outlook, and relentlessly pushing forward. In other words, success comes from hard work, resilience, and persistence, with an optimistic mindset guiding the way.


Real laughter is spontaneous. Like water from the spring it bubbles forth a creation of mingled action and spontaneity - two magic potions in themselves - the very essence of laughter - the unrestrained emotion within us!

- Douglas Fairbanks

Magic, Like, Very, Creation

There is one thing in this good old world that is positively sure - happiness is for all who strive to be happy - and those who laugh are happy. Everybody is eligible - you - me - the other fellow. Happiness is fundamentally a state of mind - not a state of body.

- Douglas Fairbanks

Happy, Other, Everybody, Old World

In taking stock of ourselves, we should not forget that fear plays a large part in the drama of failure. That is the first thing to be dropped. Fear is a mental deficiency susceptible of correction, if taken in hand before it gains an ascendency over us. Fear comes with the thought of failure.

- Douglas Fairbanks

Thought, Before, Part, Deficiency

People are divided into two classes - those who profit by experience and those who do not. The unfortunate part of it all is that the latter class is by far the larger of the two.

- Douglas Fairbanks

Divided, Larger, Unfortunate, Profit

The man who is gloomy, taciturn and lives in a world of doubt seldom achieves more than a bare living. There have been a few who have groaned their way through to a competence, but in proportion to that overwhelming number of souls who carry cheer through life, they are as nothing - mere drops in the bucket.

- Douglas Fairbanks

Through, Been, Proportion, Taciturn

The man who puts life into an idea is acclaimed a genius, because he does the right thing at the right time. Therein lies the difference between the genius and a commonplace man.

- Douglas Fairbanks

Right, Idea, Therein, Right Time

Mind you, physical training doesn't necessarily mean going to an expert for advice. One doesn't have to make a mountain out of a molehill. Get out in the fresh air and walk briskly - and don't forget to wear a smile while you're at it. Don't over-do. Take it easy at first and build on your effort day by day.

- Douglas Fairbanks

Advice, Expert, Wear, Fresh

Self-depreciation is a disease. Once it gets a hold on us - good-bye!

- Douglas Fairbanks

Disease, Once, Gets, Good-Bye

We all have ambitions, but only the few achieve. A man thinks of a good thing and says: 'Now if I only had the money I'd put that through.' The word 'if' was a dent in his courage. With character fully established, his plan well thought out, he had only to go to those in command of capital and it would have been forthcoming.

- Douglas Fairbanks

Through, Been, Capital, Dent

Indeed it is possible to stand with one foot on the inevitable 'banana peel' of life with both eyes peering into the Great Beyond, and still be happy, comfortable, and serene - if we will even so much as smile.

- Douglas Fairbanks

Happy, Eyes, Beyond, Peel

The man that's out to do something has to keep in high gear all the time.

- Douglas Fairbanks

Man, High, Keep, Gear

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