Jake Johnson Quotes

Powerful Jake Johnson for Daily Growth

About Jake Johnson

Jake Johnson, born on May 28, 1978, in Evanston, Illinois, is an American actor, comedian, and writer best known for his roles in television sitcoms such as 'New Girl' and 'Half in the Bag.' Johnson grew up in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and later attended the University of Iowa, where he developed a passion for improvisational comedy. His comedic talents led him to join the Annoyance Theatre in Chicago, where he met future collaborators such as Donald Glover and Drew Carey. In 2005, Johnson moved to Los Angeles and found success on television with recurring roles in 'The Class' and 'My Name is Earl.' However, it was his portrayal of the quirky, lovable character Nick Miller in 'New Girl' that catapulted him into mainstream recognition. His unique comedic timing, deadpan delivery, and heartfelt performances garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. In addition to his acting work, Johnson co-created and co-wrote the web series 'Vinyl Justice,' and is one half of the popular YouTube comedy duo 'Jake and Amir.' He also voices the character Metro Man in the animated series 'Hulu's The Venture Bros.' Johnson's influences range from classic comedians like Steve Martin and Bill Murray to modern comedic minds such as Louis C.K. and Conan O'Brien. His work often explores themes of friendship, love, and the absurdities of everyday life, infused with a dry wit that resonates with audiences. Today, Johnson continues to act, write, and produce, always pushing the boundaries of comedy and entertaining his legion of fans.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I am the architect of my own fate."

This quote signifies self-determination and personal responsibility. It indicates that an individual has control over their life's direction, choices, and ultimately, the outcomes. The speaker asserts they are the master builder of their destiny and emphasizes the power of personal agency in shaping one's own fate.


"Life is a matter of perspective."

This quote by Jake Johnson implies that our perception of life and its events can significantly shape our experiences and emotions. It suggests that how we interpret and understand life (our perspective) plays a crucial role in determining our happiness, challenges, successes, or disappointments. In essence, the quote encourages us to consciously choose a positive outlook to navigate the ups and downs of life more effectively.


"The only way to do great work is to love what you do."

This quote emphasizes that genuine passion and affection for one's work are essential ingredients for achieving outstanding results. In other words, if you truly love what you do, you're more likely to be inspired, engaged, and committed - all crucial factors in producing exceptional work. The message here is to pursue a profession or endeavor that not only pays the bills but also ignites your passion and fuels your creativity, as this will ultimately lead to greatness.


"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

This quote by Jake Johnson emphasizes resilience and perseverance in the face of both success and failure. Success might seem like the ultimate goal, but it's not a permanent state. Similarly, failure doesn't have to be a fatal blow; it's simply an obstacle to overcome. The true measure of one's character lies in their courage to keep moving forward despite these temporary outcomes, demonstrating strength and determination. In essence, the quote reminds us that persistence is key in life's journey towards growth and accomplishment.


"Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going."

The quote by Jake Johnson, "Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going," encourages persistence in one's actions without constant focus on time. Just as a clock continues its function (to keep ticking) without stopping to check if time has passed, we should maintain our efforts and activities without fixating on the passage of time itself. The implication is that consistent, uninterrupted effort often leads to progress or success, rather than simply observing the passing hours.


My brother was an improviser. He's now a lobbyist, but he used to perform improv in the city when he was in high school, and one of the funniest guys I know to this day.

- Jake Johnson

City, Perform, Funniest, Improviser

I did about 10-12 national commercials and then got one line parts in things like 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' and the show 'The Unit.' Got a little part in the movie 'Redbelt' by David Mamet and kept slowly grinding up and then started getting bigger parts in independents and getting noticed by Liz Meriwether.

- Jake Johnson

Movie, Line, Part, Grinding

I'm a grinding actor. That's how I've always viewed myself. You go from one job to the next.

- Jake Johnson

Myself, Next, Always, Grinding

In L.A., if you're in improv, and you're on those stages, all the big agents and managers and producers are watching those shows. They're not flying to Chicago to see the show. People are booking jobs off the stages in L.A. who aren't more talented than the guys in Chicago. But the most guys book out of L.A., and the second is New York.

- Jake Johnson

Book, Big, Booking, Stages

First, I wanted to be Chris Farley. When I was growing up, Chris Farley was still on the stages and fun to us. In my house, John Belushi was king. I didn't grow up when he was - I was born in '78 - the reruns of Belushi in 'Animal House,' and knowing he was at Second City, he was viewed as a king in my house.

- Jake Johnson

City, House, Animal House, Stages

My big break was really Liz Meriwether saw me in a movie called 'Paper Heart' and really liked it, and then saw me in a movie called 'Ceremony' because she knew Max Winkler and said, 'I want you to be in 'No Strings Attached,' but you gotta audition for it.' From that it was easier for her to get me in 'New Girl.'

- Jake Johnson

Big, Movie, Liked, Ceremony

I would want to go to the future, 25 years in the future, and see if the Cubs ever win a World Series.

- Jake Johnson

Want, Go, Years, Cubs

Sometimes, when you work with directors who have done it a lot and are established in the business and know the game, there are all these rules that they have. First-time directors will allow you to come in with choices. They're not so jaded by actors that they're like, 'Ugh, just do your job, man.'

- Jake Johnson

Game, Sometimes, Allow, Jaded

I knew I wanted to be an actor for a long time, but I was based out of Chicago and then I went to New York and I did 'The Upright Citizens Brigade' out there. I had a two-man show with a guy named Oliver Ralli who's now in the band Pass Kontrol, which is a big band out of New York.

- Jake Johnson

Big, Show, Named, Oliver

My dream career would be to be in things that have real heart and are telling real stories but while doing that, you're getting really big laughs. I don't necessarily love the straight crazy comedies. 'Caddyshack' is amazing, but there's not a lot of new 'Caddyshack's.

- Jake Johnson

Love, Big, Telling, Comedies

If I took over the 'Glamour' offices for a day, I would put Joe Pesci on the cover. I would say 'We've got to change all these magazines a little bit. We have to bring out a different version of what is, like, cool. You know, what's winning. Joe Pesci, Burt Reynolds.'

- Jake Johnson

Bring, Joe, Offices, Glamour

I feel like L.A. is more of a showcase, and Chicago is a pure comedy scene where you're doing comedy for comedy. You're doing comedy actually for the audience that's there.

- Jake Johnson

Doing, Audience, Like, Chicago

I like pizza and I like cheeseburgers a lot and I like Chicago food a lot.

- Jake Johnson

Pizza, Like, Lot, Chicago

I had a lot of bad jobs but the one big internship I had is I interned for 'SNL' when I was 21 years old and that was the joke. You intern there and you think man, I'm going to be with the writers and the great comedians. Then you're getting everybody sandwiches and then the doors close and then all the great creatives are doing the work.

- Jake Johnson

Doing, Big, Everybody, Intern

I was really into classifieds for awhile. I'm a big negotiator. My father owned a car dealership when I was younger... it's just in my blood.

- Jake Johnson

Father, Big, Younger, Awhile

You know, what 'New Girl' is doing is they're bringing in really cool people. These are home-run people who aren't your typical guest-star-type people.

- Jake Johnson

Doing, New, Cool People, Typical

I prefer to work with first-time directors.

- Jake Johnson

Work, Directors, Prefer, First-Time

I love when people on Twitter give advice.

- Jake Johnson

Love, Give, I Love, Twitter

You know, I'll tell you, nothing changed after 'No Strings' for me. A lot of people said, like, 'Your game will be different,' but it wasn't. It really wasn't.

- Jake Johnson

Game, Will, Like, Strings

I'll be honest, I like shooting 'New Girl.' I like the people. The show is still new to me. I've never done TV like this before.

- Jake Johnson

New, Still, TV, Shooting

I always thought, if you're gonna do TV, you want to play a straight, solid, pillar-of-the-show kind of guy.

- Jake Johnson

Play, Always, TV, Solid

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