James Garner Quotes

Powerful James Garner for Daily Growth

About James Garner

James Bumgarner, better known as James Garner, was an American actor and racer, renowned for his charm, charisma, and versatile acting skills. Born on April 7, 1928, in Norman, Oklahoma, Garner's early years were marked by a nomadic lifestyle due to his family's frequent moves during the Great Depression. Garner's love for acting was ignited at Northwestern State University in Louisiana, where he joined a drama club. However, his career took off when he was drafted into the United States Army and performed in army shows. Post-army, he changed his name to James Garner and moved to Hollywood. Garner's breakthrough role came as Bret Maverick in the television series 'Maverick' (1957-1962). This role, along with his role as Jim Rockford in 'The Rockford Files' (1974-1980), solidified his status as a television icon. His film career was also notable, including roles in 'Toy Story' (voice, 1995) and the iconic 'The Great Escape' (1963). Garner was also an accomplished racer, participating in the Mobilgas Economy Run and winning the SCCA Pacific Coast Championship in 1957. His love for racing was a significant influence on his roles in films like 'Grand Prix' (1966). Away from the spotlight, Garner was known for his philanthropy and political activism. He supported various causes, including environmental conservation and civil rights. Garner passed away on July 19, 2014, leaving behind a legacy of compelling performances and an enduring impact on American television and cinema. Quotes by James Garner reflect his humility and wisdom: "I'm not much on rules of conduct, but I do believe in Manners. They do not make friends. They are a sign of friendship." And, "The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person. Marriage is not 50-50; it's 99% patience and understanding." These quotes embody Garner's unique blend of charm, sincerity, and down-to-earth values that endeared him to audiences worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person. Marriage is not 50/50! It is 99% them and 1% you."

This quote by James Garner emphasizes that a successful marriage lies in finding a compatible partner who meets most of your needs, rather than expecting an equal contribution from both partners (50/50). He humorously suggests that the success of a marriage is more dependent on the partner's characteristics (99%) than on individual efforts (1%), implying that one should prioritize choosing the right person over worrying about personal contributions in a relationship.


"I'm not much for labels. I think if you feel good about yourself, then nothing else matters."

This quote suggests that personal self-esteem and confidence are more important than how others perceive or categorize us (labels). It indicates that if one feels good about oneself, external validation becomes less significant because internal satisfaction is prioritized. Essentially, it underscores the idea that self-worth should come from within, rather than relying on labels or external validations to define our sense of identity and self-worth.


"I don't make many rules, but one of my most important ones was that I never took a job unless it excited me creatively."

This quote by James Garner emphasizes his belief in the importance of passion and creativity in choosing work or projects. He valued experiences that stimulated his creative mind and didn't subscribe to roles merely for financial gain or social status. Instead, he sought out opportunities that ignited his imagination and inspired him, ensuring a deeper connection and commitment to his craft.


"I don't have any great ambition left, because I think I've accomplished everything I ever wanted to do."

This quote by James Garner signifies a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction with his life's work. He implies that he has achieved all the goals and aspirations he had set for himself, leaving him without any significant remaining ambitions. This sentiment suggests a contented and accomplished individual who has left a lasting impact on his profession and personal pursuits.


"You can't live your life with fear as the key motivator. I've always found that if you keep moving, life is generous."

This quote by James Garner suggests that a life dominated by fear is not fulfilling or productive. Instead, he advises that one should constantly move forward (i.e., take action) to experience the generosity of life. Essentially, he encourages individuals to overcome their fears and seize opportunities, recognizing that growth, happiness, and success often stem from taking risks and stepping out of one's comfort zone.


In my opinion, Arnold Schwarzenegger wasn't qualified to be governor of California.

- James Garner

Schwarzenegger, Qualified

Ronald Reagan wasn't qualified to be governor, let alone president.

- James Garner

Alone, Reagan, Governor, Qualified

What was I qualified to do to make a living? Nothing. You don't need qualifications as an actor or a politician. And I didn't want to be a politician.

- James Garner

Living, Nothing, Need, Qualified

Too many actors have run for office. There's one difference between me and them: I know I'm not qualified.

- James Garner

Office, Run, Them, Qualified

When I started working, I didn't have a clue what I was doing, in that I was just wandering around, hoping that I could succeed. Then after I got a little under my belt, it took me about 25 years to feel like I knew what I was doing.

- James Garner

Doing, Feel, About, Clue

I've been on the wrong end of violence, and I've done violence myself... I refuse to glorify violence in my movie and television roles.

- James Garner

Television, Movie, Been, Glorify

When I'm pushed, I shove.

- James Garner

Pushed, Shove

People who don't know me think I'm easy-going, but I'm a pessimist by nature and an old curmudgeon.

- James Garner

Nature, Think, Old, Easy-Going

I've had to work hard at that easy-going manner you see on screen.

- James Garner

Work, Work Hard, See, Easy-Going

I never finished the ninth grade.

- James Garner

Never, Grade, Finished, Ninth

I think my attitude has always been to put food on the table.

- James Garner

Think, Always, Been, Table

Acting is just common sense. It isn't hard if you put yourself aside and just do what the writer wrote.

- James Garner

Sense, Wrote, Put, Common Sense

I'm working out every day. I'm in very good shape.

- James Garner

Every Day, Shape, Very, Good Shape

I don't take success very well, because I know it's fleeting. And the next day, it can all fall apart. I know that, too. So I don't get too high, and I don't get too low. You get through the world a lot easier that way.

- James Garner

Through, Next, Very, Apart

My goal has always been longevity. Not fame and fortune, just get a job and keep it.

- James Garner

Goal, Always, Been, Longevity

I never wanted to be an actor. I got stuck in it and kind of liked what I was doing.

- James Garner

Doing, Never, Actor, Stuck

I'm a Methodist, but not as an actor.

- James Garner

Actor, Methodist

Everybody wants blockbusters. I like to see a few pictures now and then that have to do with people and have relationships, and that's what I want to do films about. I don't want to see these sci-fi movies, and I don't want to do one of those. I don't understand it.

- James Garner

Like, Everybody, Films, Now And Then

I was a Depression kid, growing up in Oklahoma.

- James Garner

Growing Up, Growing, Kid, Oklahoma

An hour series is a killer. It's hard on you physically.

- James Garner

Hour, Physically, Series, Killer

The only reason I'm an actor is that a lady pulled out of a parking space in front of a producer's office.

- James Garner

Reason, Parking, Actor, Producer

I've done a lot of casual work, and acting is a lot easier than laying carpets.

- James Garner

Work, Lot, Laying, Easier

There's a lot of room for error with a wound in the rear. It's a wide target.

- James Garner

Lot, Rear, Wound, Error

The characters I've played, especially Bret Maverick and Jim Rockford, almost never use a gun, and they always try to use their wits instead of their fists.

- James Garner

Gun, Always, Fists, Jim

I don't like the crowds, I don't like to get out of the house if I don't have to.

- James Garner

House, Like, Get, Crowds

I saw my wife at a pool, flipped over her, and 14 days later we were married.

- James Garner

Wife, Over, Flipped, Married

I spent most of my time playing pool instead of studying.

- James Garner

Studying, Most, My Time, Pool

I don't have any theories about acting, and I don't think about how to do it, except that an actor shouldn't take himself too seriously, and shouldn't try to make acting something it isn't.

- James Garner

Think, About, Any, Seriously

When people see me in something and say, 'That's just you - that's not acting,' it's the best compliment I can get.

- James Garner

Best, People, Say, Compliment

I think people like to see a little larceny in their heroes.

- James Garner

Think, See, I Think, Larceny

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