Ethel Barrymore Quotes

Powerful Ethel Barrymore for Daily Growth

About Ethel Barrymore

Ethel Barrymore (1879-1959), an American stage and film actress renowned for her graceful elegance and emotive performances, was born on August 15, 1879, in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was the youngest daughter of prominent actors John Barrymore and Georgiana Drew. Growing up amidst a theatrical environment, Ethel's passion for acting blossomed early, and she made her professional debut at age seventeen on Broadway. Ethel's initial years in theater were marked by modest roles, but she quickly rose to prominence with her portrayal of Juliet in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" in 1903. Her powerful emotional depth and captivating stage presence earned her critical acclaim, leading to numerous leading roles in both classic and contemporary plays. In the 1920s, Ethel expanded her career into film, with her most notable role being that of Blanche DuBois in the 1934 screen adaptation of "A Streetcar Named Desire." Her performance was praised for its sensitivity and vulnerability, cementing her status as a leading actress of her time. Ethel's personal life was marked by three marriages, including one to Charles Aloysius Cotter Moorhead from 1901 to 1903, Lee Drake from 1924 to 1928, and George O'Hara from 1930 until her death. She was also a devoted philanthropist, using her fame and fortune to support various charitable causes throughout her life. Ethel Barrymore passed away on June 18, 1959, in New York City. Her legacy lives on through her significant contributions to the stage and screen, as well as her enduring influence on subsequent generations of actors. Notable Ethel Barrymore quotes include: "The art of acting consists in keeping a large part of one's mind unoccupied," and "A star can never truly die; it just fades away into a black hole to be reborn millions of light years away."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The stage is the only place I know where you can be loud and still talk soft."

Ethel Barrymore's quote implies that the stage, as a platform for performance, allows an actor to express intensity and emotion in a loud or dramatic manner while still conveying subtlety and intimacy through their delivery, essentially balancing volume with nuance. This is unique to the theatrical setting, where such contrast can be effectively communicated to engage both a close-up audience and those further away.

"Acting is a great deal like gardening. No actor really succeeds unless he enriches the soil for those who are to follow him."

This quote suggests that successful acting, like successful gardening, requires nurturing and cultivation. An actor doesn't just aim for personal success but also contributes to the growth and development of future actors. In other words, a good actor leaves behind a richer environment for upcoming talent by honing their craft and setting high standards.

"I believe in love at first sight, but I also believe that it takes time to truly know a person."

This quote suggests that initial strong feelings (love at first sight) can occur instantly, yet true understanding and knowledge of a person requires time and experience over a period of time. In other words, the quote implies that while we may be drawn to someone quickly, it's essential to take the time to learn more about them to form a lasting relationship or deep connection.

"To be a star you must touch people's hearts; and the best way to reach their hearts is authentically."

This quote by Ethel Barrymore emphasizes that true stardom is achieved not only through talent or visibility, but primarily by connecting with people on an emotional level. Authenticity plays a crucial role in this connection as it allows others to identify with the performer's genuine emotions and experiences. By touching people's hearts, one can create a meaningful impact that goes beyond mere entertainment, fostering a deeper bond between artist and audience.

"The theater is never more vibrant than when it is filled with young talent, eager and willing to learn from those who have gone before them."

This quote by Ethel Barrymore underscores the vitality and renewal that fresh, passionate, and eager young talent brings to the theater. The process of learning from experienced artists contributes to the continuous growth and dynamism of the theatrical world. It suggests a cycle of knowledge exchange, where the established artists pass on their wisdom, enriching the art form, while the new generation injects energy, innovation, and a fresh perspective.

For an actress to be a success, she must have the face of a Venus, the brains of a Minerva, the grace of Terpsichore, the memory of a MaCaulay, the figure of Juno, and the hide of a rhinoceros.

- Ethel Barrymore

Memory, Actress, Figure, Venus

The arts are not just instantaneous pleasure - if you don't like it, the artist is wrong. I belong to the generation which says if you don't like it, you don't understand and you ought to find out.

- Ethel Barrymore

Generation, Belong, Which, Instantaneous

The great actors are the luminous ones. They are the great conductors of the stage.

- Ethel Barrymore

Great, Stage, Conductors, Luminous

Fundamentally I feel that there is as much difference between the stage and the films as between a piano and a violin. Normally you can't become a virtuoso in both.

- Ethel Barrymore

Violin, Feel, Films, Normally

You grow up the day you have the first real laugh at yourself.

- Ethel Barrymore

Yourself, Grow, Grow Up, Laugh

I never let them cough. They wouldn't dare.

- Ethel Barrymore

Never, Dare, Them, Cough

Our achievements speak for themselves. What we have to keep track of are our failures, discouragements and doubts. We tend to forget the past difficulties, the many false starts, and the painful groping.

- Ethel Barrymore

Past, Achievements, Doubts, Painful

You must learn day by day, year by year to broaden your horizon. The more things you love, the more you are interested in, the more you enjoy, the more you are indignant about, the more you have left when anything happens.

- Ethel Barrymore

Love, Wisdom, Learn, Indignant

When life knocks you to your knees, and it will, why, get up! If it knocks you to your knees again, as it will, well, isn't that the best position from which to pray?

- Ethel Barrymore

Will, Knees, Which, Knocks

The face of Garbo is an Idea, that of Hepburn an Event.

- Ethel Barrymore

Face, Idea, Event, Hepburn

The best time to make friends is before you need them.

- Ethel Barrymore

Friendship, Need, Best Time, Make

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