Eddie Izzard Quotes

Powerful Eddie Izzard for Daily Growth

About Eddie Izzard

Eddie Izzard (Edward John Izzard), born on February 7, 1962, in Yemen to British parents, is a renowned English stand-up comedian, actor, and political activist, known for his unique style of stand-up comedy that blends surreal humor, absurdity, and cultural satire. Raised primarily in Northern Ireland, Izzard's family moved frequently due to his father's job with the British Civil Service. This nomadic childhood played a significant role in shaping Izzard's comedy as he drew inspiration from various cultures and societal norms. He attended the University of Sheffield, where he studied law but found little satisfaction, eventually abandoning it to pursue a career in comedy. Izzard began his comedy career in 1987, performing at small clubs across London. His big break came in 1993 with his one-man show, 'Slicker than Your Average', which brought him critical acclaim and a Perrier Comedy Award nomination. This was followed by a series of successful stand-up shows, including 'Dress to Kill' (1998), 'Glorious' (2000), and 'Stripped' (2009), all of which showcased his trademark blend of humor, political satire, and philosophical musings. In addition to stand-up comedy, Izzard has had a successful acting career, appearing in films such as 'The Cat's Meow' (2001), 'Valkyrie' (2008), and voicing characters in animated series like 'Penguins of Madagascar'. He is also known for his political activism, particularly in advocating for LGBT rights and the European Union. Eddie Izzard continues to be a prominent figure in British comedy, pushing boundaries with his innovative style and thought-provoking content. His unique perspective and unparalleled wit have made him a beloved figure in the world of stand-up comedy.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Civilization is a trick, a really, really good magic trick."

This quote suggests that civilization, with all its complexities and advancements, is a remarkable illusion or deception, meticulously crafted and maintained by human society. It implies that the order and structure we perceive as 'normal' are, in essence, social constructs that have been carefully cultivated over time. The magic trick analogy emphasizes both the artistry of our collective creation and its awe-inspiring ability to obscure the raw, chaotic nature of existence beneath layers of tradition, culture, and societal norms. It invites us to question the foundations upon which we base our understanding of the world and encourages a deeper exploration into the true essence of humanity and our collective endeavor.


"The Internet's like air. You can't see it, but you know it's there, and without it, no cats."

This quote by Eddie Izzard humorously illustrates the pervasive yet intangible nature of the internet, comparing it to something as ubiquitous as air. The phrase "without it, no cats" emphasizes the extensive reach and impact of the internet in our daily lives, using a lighthearted example that resonates with many internet users - online cat videos. In essence, Izzard's quote highlights how integral the internet has become to modern society, making information and entertainment instantly accessible.


"Money can't buy happiness, but it certainly is a test to see who's happy."

This quote by Eddie Izzard suggests that while money cannot directly bring about happiness, it serves as a yardstick to gauge one's contentment. The more someone has, the more they can experience different opportunities, luxuries, or comforts, which might help them determine if they are truly happy with their lives. It implies that financial wealth provides a context within which individuals can test and reflect upon their happiness levels.


"Sex education should be compulsory - and free."

This quote by Eddie Izzard emphasizes the importance of comprehensive sex education, suggesting that it should be mandatory for everyone, regardless of age or socio-economic status, to ensure they have the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about their sexual health. Free access implies equal opportunity for all individuals to receive this education, thus promoting personal growth and responsibility in understanding human sexuality and reproductive health.


"A chicken crosses the road. Why? To provoke thoughts about the nature of reality, infinity, and the absurdity of life!"

This playful quote by Eddie Izzard suggests that even simple, everyday occurrences can spark deep philosophical questions. By humorously framing a common sight (a chicken crossing a road) as a provocation for contemplating complex topics like reality, infinity, and life's absurdities, the quote invites us to consider the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate elements and encourages a broader perspective on our everyday experiences.


Cats have a scam going - you buy the food, they eat the food, they go away; that's the deal.

- Eddie Izzard

Pet, Deal, Go Away, Cats

I use a Bruce Lee technique: 'The way of no way.' He had the idea that he would learn everything, so that whoever he had to fight, he could improvise anything. The best way of starting a gig is just to not think of anything - to clear your mind, not in an empty Zen state, but more just to go on and see where you go.

- Eddie Izzard

Idea, Use, Best Way, Gig

So the American government lied to the Native Americans for many, many years, and then President Clinton lied about a relationship, and everyone was surprised! A little naive, I feel!

- Eddie Izzard

About, President Clinton, Native Americans

I'd be happy to be taken as a woman - and that's what I was initially trying to do when I started throwing on dresses and stuff. But that wasn't going to happen because everyone kept calling me sir. So I thought I'd change the method and just start wearing what I wanted to wear.

- Eddie Izzard

Happy, Woman, Thought, Initially

MAC gave me 55 lipsticks to test. These are the same lipsticks I got caught stealing by the police when I was 15. How ironic.

- Eddie Izzard

Test, Caught, Ironic, Mac

I try to keep performing as much as possible - I just like to. I used to take huge gaps off between gigs, now I just like to do stand-up gigs as much as I can.

- Eddie Izzard

Possible, Like, Performing, Gaps

Never put a sock in a toaster.

- Eddie Izzard

Funny, Never, Toaster, Sock

I mean, sometimes... a comedian becomes an actor, and they just don't deliver, because the bottom line of comedy is to be funny, and the bottom line of acting is to be truthful, and they get that mixed up sometimes, or don't even notice that that's the thing.

- Eddie Izzard

Comedy, Line, Bottom, Truthful

In stand-up it really helps to play yourself and talk about your own feelings. You cannot fail to be original if you're just talking about what you think about X, Y and Z. Unless you've got a twin brother who's also a stand-up.

- Eddie Izzard

Play, Own, About, Be Original

I don't believe that competitions are important.

- Eddie Izzard

Believe, Important, Competitions

My stand-up is quite good now, people say. It's just like a big conversation each time. Every gig is a rehearsal.

- Eddie Izzard

Big, Gig, Rehearsal, Conversation

I don't know what it's like in the U.S. but immigrants in the U.K. do the jobs the citizens won't do.

- Eddie Izzard

Know, Like, Jobs, Immigrants

If you go down as a comedian's comedian, that's basically meaning other comedians are hopefully feeling that you're doing okay.

- Eddie Izzard

Doing, Other, Okay, Hopefully

If you've never seen an elephant ski, you've never been on acid.

- Eddie Izzard

Never, Acid, Ski, Elephant

Boy bands should be exploded from a great height. They're just pretty people singing music written by others.

- Eddie Izzard

Singing, Pretty, Exploded, Height

I grew up in Europe, where the history comes from.

- Eddie Izzard

Funny, Where, Up, Europe

Religion and philosophy, philosophy and religion - they're two words which are both... different. In spelling.

- Eddie Izzard

Words, Spelling, Which, Philosophy

I felt audiences are happier to take comedy people who play darker people because there's a link between the psychosis of comedy and the psychosis of being a twisted character.

- Eddie Izzard

Play, Comedy, Twisted, Darker

I'm quite good at taking in information so I voraciously inhale Wikipedia - which may have some things wrong in it, but I think is generally more information than we had before. Last tour we didn't have Wikipedia. And then Discovery Channel and History Channel. I can take it in and retain what I think are the most important facts.

- Eddie Izzard

Some, I Think, Before, Wikipedia

Well, comedy is a great weapon of attack. It's not a great weapon of support.

- Eddie Izzard

Comedy, Well, Weapon, Attack

Comedy is a great weapon of attack. It's not a great weapon of support.

- Eddie Izzard

Great, Comedy, Weapon, Attack

Animals in the wild are lean, and I think we should be too.

- Eddie Izzard

Think, I Think, Lean, Wild

I wanna live 'til I die, no more, no less.

- Eddie Izzard

Die, More, Less, Wanna

They tend to come out a colour called 'Pants left in wash'

- Eddie Izzard

Colour, Pants, Tend, Wash

There was no religion in my life growing up. Did God invent us or did we invent God?

- Eddie Izzard

Growing, My Life, Invent, Growing Up

If you get anything creative going, then the work and play thing is the same thing, I feel.

- Eddie Izzard

Play, Going, Same Thing, Creative

I like my coffee like I like my women. In a plastic cup.

- Eddie Izzard

Women, Plastic, Like, Coffee

I'm a one-man idiot.

- Eddie Izzard

Idiot, One-Man

If there is a God, his plan is very similar to someone not having a plan.

- Eddie Izzard

Very, Similar, His, Plan

I wanted to be less well-known in comedy.

- Eddie Izzard

Comedy, Less, Wanted, Well-Known

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