Howard Gordon Quotes

Powerful Howard Gordon for Daily Growth

About Howard Gordon

Howard Gordon, born on March 18, 1962, is an acclaimed American television writer, producer, and showrunner, best known for his work in the television series '24' and 'Homeland'. Raised in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, Gordon developed a love for storytelling from an early age. He graduated with a degree in English from Wesleyan University in 1983. Gordon began his career in the entertainment industry as a staff writer for the sitcom 'Growing Pains'. He then moved on to work on various shows, including 'China Beach', 'The X-Files', and 'Angel'. However, it was with '24' that he achieved substantial fame, co-creating and serving as executive producer from 2001 to 2010. The real-time format of the series, which followed a day in the life of Counter Terrorist Unit agent Jack Bauer, became a groundbreaking innovation in television storytelling. In 2011, Gordon co-created and executive produced 'Homeland', a political thriller that explores the complex relationship between a CIA officer and a returned terrorist. The show earned widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, including multiple Emmys and Golden Globes. Gordon's work is characterized by intricate plotlines, compelling characters, and a deep exploration of contemporary geopolitical issues. His influence on modern television storytelling is significant, with many shows adopting the '24' real-time format and the thematic complexity of 'Homeland'. Gordon continues to write and produce for television, leaving a lasting impact on the medium.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Writing is rewriting."

The quote "Writing is rewriting" emphasizes that the act of writing is not a linear process but an iterative one. It implies that the first draft, no matter how good, always requires refinement and improvement to reach its full potential. This quote encourages writers to view their work as a continuous process where revision and editing are essential components in crafting a polished piece of literature.


"You can't tell a story until you know who's telling it."

This quote emphasizes that understanding the perspective or viewpoint of the narrator is crucial in telling a story effectively. The narrator, whether human or not, influences the way events are presented, interpreted, and ultimately understood by the audience. In other words, knowing who's telling the story allows us to grasp its context, underlying biases, and intended message more accurately.


"Storytelling isn't just about telling a good story, it's about deciding what parts of the truth to reveal and how."

This quote by Howard Gordon highlights the intrinsic power that storytellers possess in shaping narratives. It suggests that storytelling is not merely about presenting facts or events, but also about making strategic choices regarding which aspects of reality to disclose and in what manner. This process of selection and interpretation allows for the creation of engaging and impactful stories, while also controlling the audience's understanding and perception of the narrative. In essence, storytellers have the ability to reveal truth through a lens that shapes the overall narrative.


"The best way to find out if something works is to do it."

This quote encourages action and empowers individuals to take a proactive role in exploring and testing ideas or solutions, rather than relying solely on theory or speculation. It emphasizes the importance of practical experience in determining the efficacy of an approach. Essentially, it suggests that to truly know if something works, one must be willing to take the first step and give it a try.


"Characters are the heart of any story. They have to be real, they have to change, and they have to matter to us."

This quote by Howard Gordon emphasizes the crucial role characters play in a story. The first point implies that characters should feel genuine and authentic, not mere caricatures or props. The second point underscores that for a tale to be engaging and satisfying, characters must undergo transformation or growth throughout the narrative. Lastly, the quote suggests that readers should care about the characters, as their emotional involvement enhances the overall impact of the story. In essence, Gordon's words underscore that compelling stories rely on well-crafted, evolving, and relatable characters.


Traditionally, people have been adapting novels and short stories forever. Now, they're doing it simultaneously, with an eye towards writing the movie before the novel has even come out or been finished. It's a function of this hyper-accelerated society we live in, where everyone is trying to short circuit the process.

- Howard Gordon

Doing, Been, Circuit, Adapting

I've always wanted to write a novel. It's overwhelming and daunting, and it's one of those things that every writer fantasizes about doing.

- Howard Gordon

Doing, Always, About, Daunting

I'm a member of the Pacific Council on International Policy.

- Howard Gordon

Council, Member, Pacific

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