Geraldine Page Quotes

Powerful Geraldine Page for Daily Growth

About Geraldine Page

Geraldine Page (1924-1987), an iconic American actress, was born on February 22, 1924, in Port Arthur, Texas. Raised by her grandparents, she displayed a natural talent for acting from a young age, performing in school plays and local theaters. Page moved to New York City at 17, aiming to pursue a career in acting. Her early years were marked by struggles, but she persevered and made her Broadway debut in 1948. Known for her versatility and emotional depth, Page gained recognition for her roles in plays such as "The Trip to Bountiful" (1953) and "Sweet Bird of Youth" (1956). In 1957, she made the transition to films with "Sweet Smell of Success," a performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination. Her career flourished in the 1960s, with notable roles in "The Miracle Worker" (1962), for which she won an Academy Award, and "George Washington" (1984). Page's personal life was marked by a tumultuous relationship with fellow actor Taylor Stanley. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1950, leaving Page to raise their two children alone. Despite the challenges, Page continued to excel in her career, becoming one of the most respected actresses of her time. Page's acting style was characterized by her ability to create complex and compelling characters. She was known for her deep emotional engagement with her roles, a trait that set her apart from many of her contemporaries. Geraldine Page passed away on June 24, 1987, leaving behind a rich legacy in American theater and cinema. Her quotes often reflected her dedication to her craft, with sentiments such as, "I try to find the character in myself first... Then I dress him or her up."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The greatest pleasure of acting is not in the act of fooling people, but in receiving their willing suspension of disbelief."

Geraldine Page's quote suggests that the ultimate joy in acting lies not in tricking or deceiving an audience, but rather in captivating them so profoundly that they suspend their disbelief – willingly immersing themselves in the performance as if it were real life. This willing suspension of disbelief allows for a powerful connection between actor and audience, fostering a shared emotional experience and deepening the impact of the story being told.


"It's an actor's job to act. I don't care if it's a play or a movie or TV or anything else."

Geraldine Page, in this quote, emphasizes that the primary duty of an actor is to effectively portray their character, regardless of the medium - be it stage plays, movies, television series, or other forms of performance. In essence, she is stating that an actor's main goal should always be to deliver a compelling and authentic performance in every opportunity they have to act.


"I feel a very strong need to be truthful onstage. And that can only come from a deep understanding of the character, not just in terms of emotions but in terms of life itself."

Geraldine Page's quote highlights her commitment to authenticity and emotional depth in her stage performances, emphasizing that true understanding of a character transcends mere portrayal of emotions. Instead, it encompasses a holistic comprehension of the character's life experiences, motivations, and human essence. In other words, she believed that by deeply knowing and empathizing with her characters, she could bring forth a truthful performance that resonates with audiences on a profound level.


"I never choose roles for their size; I choose them because they're good parts."

Geraldine Page, a renowned American actress, emphasized the importance of choosing roles based on their quality rather than their scale or prominence in the quote, "I never choose roles for their size; I choose them because they're good parts." This underscores her focus on the depth and substance of characters, prioritizing meaningful performances over superficial factors like screen time or fame.


"Acting is not about being someone different. It's finding yourself in your own way."

Geraldine Page suggests that acting isn't just about assuming a different character; it's about discovering one's true self through creative expression. This quote emphasizes the idea that actors should use their craft as an opportunity to explore, understand, and express their own personalities in unique ways, rather than simply imitating others. Essentially, acting becomes a tool for introspection and personal growth.


I have played old ladies since I was 17 years old, and very convincingly. I've always looked funny and was too tall to play the leads and so had to play the grandmothers.

- Geraldine Page

Play, Always, Very, Ladies

In 'Summer and Smoke,' I was supposed to be a plain-Jane wallflower, and instead, I had all these costumes. I looked like a Barbie doll.

- Geraldine Page

Doll, Like, Looked, Costumes

I always say it's worth doing what you want to do, not letting people manipulate you. It's worth holding out. It's worth having pride.

- Geraldine Page

Doing, Always, Having, Manipulate

I love the Oscars. All sorts of tacky people win. And watching everyone run up and down those aisles is just adorable.

- Geraldine Page

Love, Run, Everyone, Up And Down

'Greedy gut' is my middle name. I love food, and I love parts.

- Geraldine Page

Love, Middle, I Love, Greedy

They did cast me as an ingenue once, and the novelty was nice. But I said, 'There is nothing here to play!' I really like getting into the meat of a role.

- Geraldine Page

Play, Here, Role, Meat

If I read a part and think I can connect to it, that I can touch people with it, I will do it, no matter what its size. And if I think I can't do something with a part, I won't take it.

- Geraldine Page

Think, I Think, Read, Size

I always wanted to be good at something, to be somebody. The minute I got into my first play, which was called 'Excuse My Dust' - I was 17 at the time - I knew that this was what I'd been looking for.

- Geraldine Page

Play, Always, Which, Minute

A lot of people say I always play neurotic women. Well, who doesn't play neurotic women?

- Geraldine Page

Play, Always, Lot, Neurotic

I keep getting offered these women-with-a-disease things.

- Geraldine Page

Keep, Things, Getting, Offered

I didn't want to be a Hollywood actress who every so often does a Broadway play. I wanted to be a Broadway actress who every so often does a movie.

- Geraldine Page

Play, Hollywood, Actress, Broadway

The main thing is the ability to control your instrument, which, in the actor, is yourself. Look the way you want the character to look. Sound the way you want the character to sound. Once you've trained the instrument to do what you want, you're in control, and you're free.

- Geraldine Page

Main Thing, Which, Trained, Instrument

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