Glynn Turman Quotes

Powerful Glynn Turman for Daily Growth

About Glynn Turman

Glynn Turman, born on February 15, 1947, in Baltimore, Maryland, is an acclaimed American actor, director, and producer. Raised in a nurturing environment by his grandmother, Turman developed a deep love for storytelling at an early age. This passion was further fueled during his time at Morgan State University where he studied theater arts. Turman's professional acting career began in the late 1960s, with his first notable role in the groundbreaking television series 'The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman' (1974). His performance earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor – Limited Series or Special. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Turman graced both the big and small screens with memorable roles in films like 'Cooley High' (1975), 'A Piece of the Action' (1977), and 'I'm Gonna Git You Sucka' (1988). His versatility as an actor was demonstrated through his ability to portray both dramatic and comedic characters. In the 1990s, Turman ventured into directing and producing. He directed several episodes of popular shows like 'Sanford' (1992) and 'Cosby' (1996). His production credits include co-producing the critically acclaimed HBO series 'The Corner' (2000), based on David Simon's novel. Turman's influence extends beyond his work in front of and behind the camera. He is an active philanthropist, using his platform to support education and arts programs within his community. His dedication to storytelling and community service has made him a respected figure in both the entertainment industry and Baltimore, his beloved hometown. Quotes attributed to Glynn Turman often reflect his deep appreciation for the power of storytelling: "Stories are our way of surviving as human beings," he once said. This sentiment is echoed throughout his vast body of work, making him a cherished figure in American cinema and television.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The more you learn about life, the more you realize there's very little difference between a dream and a goal."

This quote by Glynn Turman suggests that dreams and goals are closely related, as they both represent aspirations and desired outcomes in our lives. As we gain more experience and knowledge about life, we start to recognize that the only significant difference between a dream (an abstract, unfulfilled desire) and a goal (a specific, tangible objective with a plan to achieve it) is the level of intention and action taken towards their realization. In essence, this quote highlights the transformative power of turning dreams into actionable goals to make them reality.


"I think we all have to believe in ourselves. It doesn't matter how many people tell us we can't do something."

Glynn Turman's quote underscores the importance of self-belief as a crucial ingredient for personal success. In a world where external validation is often sought, his words remind us that internal confidence and faith in our abilities can help us overcome obstacles and achieve goals, regardless of what others may say or think about our potential. It's an empowering reminder that we hold the key to unlocking our own potential.


"When you love what you do, it isn't work."

This quote emphasizes that when a person is passionate about their profession or task, it ceases to feel like laborious work but rather an enjoyable and fulfilling activity. It implies that if one finds joy in their endeavors, they are more likely to be motivated, dedicated, and successful because they are engaging in something they genuinely love.


"You don't have to be a star on TV or a famous actor or anything like that to make an impact on the world."

This quote suggests that one doesn't necessarily need fame or public recognition to significantly influence the world. The impact an individual can make extends beyond the realm of stardom or celebrity status, and can be achieved through various means such as community service, activism, artistry, or simply living a life of integrity and compassion. Essentially, it highlights that each person has the power to positively affect the world around them, regardless of their public profile.


"The greatest thing I can leave behind is an example of someone who did their best every single day."

This quote by Glynn Turman underscores the importance of personal integrity, consistency, and dedication in life. By striving to do one's best each day, an individual sets a powerful example that can inspire others. The "greatest thing" left behind is not necessarily wealth or fame but the influence of living with purpose and commitment. This quote encourages us to lead by example, showing that our actions have lasting effects and can motivate future generations to aspire to similar values.


I started with Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee and Lou Gossett, Jr. and the rest of the wonderful cast of 'A Raisin In The Sun.' We were directed by the great Lloyd Richards. The play was written by the wonderful Lorraine Hansberry, and it was produced by Phil Rose. That's where my start was, so... not a bad way to start.

- Glynn Turman

Sun, Play, Bad, Raisin

Seems like everybody has seen 'Cooley High.' That's what put me on the map. Garrett Morris and I go way back, even before the movie. Great guy. We've done theater and stage plays together, Lincoln Center and all kinds of things.

- Glynn Turman

Movie, Everybody, Before, Map

'Super 8' was a lot of fun. It was a lot of fun working with J.J. Abrams, who I think is a kid in a grown man's body, which is a great ingredient for any artist in our business. You have to be a kid at heart to be able to make believe, and his imagination is phenomenal.

- Glynn Turman

Artist, Kid, I Think, Phenomenal

If you take the '70s with Blaxploitation pictures, there was a proliferation of black-content films and motion pictures, television, stage plays and so forth at a time when Hollywood was in trouble financially, and it was cheaper to do black films to keep the lights on until they could reestablish themselves.

- Glynn Turman

Pictures, Hollywood, Cheaper, Financially

I'm a stage actor. You know, I was - I cut my teeth on stage, you know. So I've always had a love affair with the stage, first off, what I was raised in, you know.

- Glynn Turman

Love, Always, Cut, Affair

'12 Years a Slave' was very powerful, very moving, and deserved all of the acclaim it did get.

- Glynn Turman

Powerful, Slave, Very, Deserved

My wife and I have our date nights. We love the Showtime shows like 'Shameless,' 'Homeland' and 'House of Lies.' And of course, 'Scandal' is high on the list; you've got to do 'Scandal.'

- Glynn Turman

Love, Date, Like, Showtime

We do have a black president, and that means a lot. People ask, 'What has he done?' What he's done is change the color up, which you see on the screen. When the head of the free world is black, there's got to be some sort of spin-off from it.

- Glynn Turman

Color, Some, Screen, Free World

Enrollment in colleges, especially black colleges, across the country increased tremendously during the five-year run of 'A Different World,' and I don't think you could have a better legacy than that.

- Glynn Turman

Think, Country, Increased, Colleges

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