Jean Marais Quotes

Powerful Jean Marais for Daily Growth

About Jean Marais

Jean Marais (July 13, 1913 – June 10, 1998), born in Paris as Jean-Marie Jean Clement Charles Marcel Marius Marius, was a French actor, film director, screenwriter, and artist who left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, particularly French cinema. Born to an upper-middle-class family, Marais's early life was steeped in artistic influences. His mother was a singer, and his grandmother was a painter. As a child, he showed an affinity for art, drawing, and painting. However, it was acting that would ultimately capture his heart. In 1936, Marais made his film debut in "Les Bas-Fonds" (The Lower Depths). His breakthrough role came in 1942 with the French romantic fantasy film "La Belle et la Bête" (Beauty and the Beast), where he played both the beast and the prince, a performance for which he received international acclaim. Marais's career flourished under the direction of Jean Cocteau, who became a close friend and mentor. Together, they created several groundbreaking films, including "Orpheus" (1950) and "Testament of Orpheus" (1960). Marais also directed films such as "Le Voyage sur la chair" (Voyage on Flesh, 1958), demonstrating his versatility behind the camera. Throughout his career, Marais was a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in French cinema. Despite societal pressures to hide his sexuality, he lived openly with his partner, painter and photographer Yves Allégret, until Allégret's death in 1987. Marais continued to act and direct until his retirement in the late 1980s. His legacy lives on, not only through his iconic roles but also as a symbol of courage, creativity, and unapologetic individuality.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Love is the strongest force in the universe."

The quote by Jean Marais underscores the immense power that love possesses in the cosmos. It suggests that love, a profoundly human emotion, transcends beyond our world, demonstrating an unparalleled influence that shapes and moves everything around us. This statement emphasizes not only the transformative potential of love in personal relationships but also its universal significance, positioning it as a fundamental driving force of existence itself.


"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science."

This quote by Jean Marais underscores the notion that the essence of beauty, creativity, and knowledge lies in the realm of the enigmatic or unknown. He suggests that true art and science emerge from a place of mystery, inviting us to appreciate and explore the unexplained aspects of life. By embracing this mysterious element, we foster innovation, inspiration, and profound understanding.


"Every day I see a new kind of beauty."

This quote by Jean Marais suggests that he finds an endless variety in the concept of beauty, continually discovering fresh forms or aspects of it each day. It implies a broadened perspective on aesthetics and appreciation for the multifaceted nature of beauty found in the world around us.


"I believe in destiny, but it's up to us to create our own destiny."

This quote suggests that while individuals may believe in fate or predestination, they also have the power to shape their own lives and create their own future. It encourages people to take control of their destinies by making conscious choices and taking active steps towards achieving their goals. In essence, it's a call to action for self-determination and personal growth.


"The secret of happiness is to find a balance between work and play, between thought and action, between love and logic."

Jean Marais' quote emphasizes the importance of striking a balance in various aspects of life to achieve true happiness. Work and play symbolize the need for a balance between our professional responsibilities and leisure activities, ensuring we have time for both. Thought and action signify the necessity of contemplation (thought) as well as practical execution (action), suggesting that one without the other is incomplete. Lastly, love and logic represent the importance of emotional connections (love) alongside rational decision-making (logic). In essence, Marais suggests that a harmonious blend of these elements can lead to a fulfilling and happy life.


What has always attracted me in life is poetry. Any genre can have poetry. For me, poetry contains truth.

- Jean Marais

Truth, Always, Attracted, Contains

Life is unfair. I got nothing but the best.

- Jean Marais

Best, Nothing, Got, Unfair

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.