George Raft Quotes

Powerful George Raft for Daily Growth

About George Raft

George Raft (1901-1980), an enigmatic figure in Hollywood's Golden Age, was born Angelo Louis Raffalli on October 24, 1901, in the bustling neighborhood of Manhattan's Lower East Side. His parents were immigrants from Sicily, Italy. Raft's initial foray into show business began as a dance hall doorman and cabaret performer, leading him to be discovered by Broadway impresario Lew Leslie in 1926. Raft made his screen debut in the 1930 film "Manhattan Cocktail" but gained wider recognition for his roles in gangster movies, capitalizing on his real-life connections to organized crime figures and aura of toughness. Notable films from this period include "Scarface" (1932), where he played the titular character, and "I'm a Fugitive from a Chain Gang" (1932). Raft became synonymous with the tough-guy persona, often playing characters known for their silence. Off-screen, Raft was a notorious partygoer and frequent guest at Hollywood's most glamorous events. He turned down the role of Humphrey Bogart's character in "Casablanca" (1942) due to contract disputes with Warner Bros., which marked one of the most significant missed opportunities in film history. Despite his reluctance to transition into leading roles, Raft continued acting throughout the 1950s and 1960s. His later career saw him appear in films such as "The Hustler" (1961) and "From Russia with Love" (1963). In 1972, Raft published his memoir, "George Raft Remembers," offering an intriguing glimpse into the life of this elusive Hollywood icon. George Raft passed away on October 26, 1980, leaving behind a lasting legacy as both a formidable screen presence and enigmatic figure in Hollywood history.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I never said once in my life, 'Gee, I'd like to be a gangster.' I was born a gangster."

George Raft's quote suggests that he felt his innate personality or character naturally inclined him towards the lifestyle of a gangster, even though he never explicitly stated a desire for it. It implies that some people are inherently drawn to certain roles, professions, or lifestyles, regardless of whether they actively sought them out or not. In this case, Raft was a famous actor who often played gangster roles in films due to his perceived suitability for those parts.


"I never wanted to be a movie star. That wasn't me at all. I just wanted to dance."

George Raft, an iconic figure in Hollywood, yearned for the artistry of dance rather than the fame of being a movie star. His longing was not to become a celebrity but to express himself through the rhythm and movement of dance. This quote highlights his true passion and identity, suggesting that he perceived stardom as a byproduct, not the ultimate goal, in his career.


"I didn't care much for acting in pictures. It was something I did so I could earn enough money to dance in nightclubs."

This quote by George Raft indicates that his primary passion lay in dancing, not acting. He viewed acting as a means to an end, specifically earning the income necessary to perform in nightclubs, which was his true vocational joy.


"I always felt that if I had the choice, I would rather be remembered as a good dancer than as an actor."

George Raft prioritized his identity as a dancer over being an actor. He valued the grace, rhythm, and artistic expression embodied in dancing and desired to be recognized for that skill. In other words, he found joy and personal satisfaction in the act of dancing and wanted it to be his primary legacy.


"You can't have everything in life, my friend."

The quote by George Raft, "You can't have everything in life, my friend," underscores the fundamental truth that our desires often outstrip the finite resources of time, energy, and opportunities we encounter. It serves as a reminder that making choices and prioritizing are essential to achieve satisfaction and fulfillment in life, as it's impossible to attain every dream or aspiration simultaneously. This quote encourages us to savor and appreciate what we have while striving for our goals, fostering resilience and contentment along the way.


Part of it went on gambling, and part of it went on women. The rest I spent foolishly.

- George Raft

Rest, Part, Spent, Foolishly

Part of the $10 million I spent on gambling, part on booze and part on women. The rest I spent foolishly.

- George Raft

Rest, Million, Booze, Foolishly

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