Jessie Matthews Quotes

Powerful Jessie Matthews for Daily Growth

About Jessie Matthews

Jessie Matthews (Jessie Alice Matthews; born Jessie Alice Mills on September 13, 1907 – died May 6, 1981) was a British actress, dancer, and singer who made significant contributions to the early days of the British film industry. Born in London, England, she started her career as a chorus girl in musical theatre at the age of 14. Her unique charm and captivating stage presence quickly caught the attention of producer Michael Balcon, who helped propel her into stardom. Matthews' film debut was in "Don't Tell Everything" (1925), but it was her role as 'Jessie' in the 1927 film "The Vagabond Lady" that truly established her as a star. She went on to appear in numerous films throughout the late 1920s and early 1930s, becoming one of the most popular actresses of the British silent era. Known for her lively performances and impeccable dance skills, she was often referred to as "Britain's Sweetheart." In 1934, Matthews made a successful transition to sound films with "First a Girl," which she also co-produced. She continued acting until the late 1950s, appearing in various productions such as "The Man from Toronto" (1939) and "The Bells Go Down" (1949). Jessie Matthews' influence extends beyond her film career. Her style and charm were emulated by many British actresses who followed, making her a significant figure in the development of British cinema. Despite retiring from acting in the 1950s, she remained active in the entertainment industry, running her own dance academy and appearing on television shows. Quotes Attributed to Jessie Matthews: 1. "I've never understood why women put on weight. I mean, it's not as if we have anything to hold onto." 2. "I can't stand people who don't believe in themselves. If you're going to make a fool of yourself, at least make a good show." 3. "I've always believed that women should do the things they enjoy. I don't think you should ever have to choose between being a mother and having a career." 4. "Success doesn't mean anything if you don't enjoy what you are doing." 5. "Life is too short for worry, too long for regret."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is a great unexpected adventure."

This quote by Jessie Matthews suggests that life is an unpredictable journey filled with discoveries, surprises, and experiences beyond our expectations. It encourages us to approach life with curiosity and openness, embracing the twists and turns as we navigate through its many adventures.


"Always smile and be kind, for you never know what battles people are fighting."

This quote by Jessie Matthews underscores the importance of kindness and empathy in our interactions with others. It suggests that one should always maintain a positive demeanor and exhibit kindness towards others, as we cannot fully comprehend the challenges or struggles that people may be facing in their lives. By simply being kind, one can potentially bring a moment of happiness or relief to someone who might desperately need it. This quote serves as a reminder that our small actions can have significant impacts on those around us, making kindness an essential tool for fostering understanding and creating a more compassionate world.


"I believe that happiness comes from within. It's a choice, not something that happens to us."

Jessie Matthews suggests in this quote that true happiness is an internal, personal decision rather than an external event or circumstance. She implies that one can actively choose to be happy, regardless of the situation they find themselves in, emphasizing personal responsibility and self-determination as key factors in finding contentment.


"You can accomplish anything in life if you have the courage to dream it, and the ambition to make it a reality."

This quote by Jessie Matthews underscores the power of both dreams and determination in achieving success. It suggests that having the audacity to envision something for oneself (dreaming) combined with the tenacity to work towards realizing that vision (ambition) can lead to accomplishing one's goals in life. In essence, the quote inspires individuals to not only dream big but also take concrete steps to turn those dreams into a tangible reality.


"The greatest reward in life is the happiness of knowing that we have accomplished our dreams by never giving up."

This quote by Jessie Matthews emphasizes that the most significant satisfaction in life comes from achieving one's dreams, a feeling enhanced by persistence and refusal to give up. In essence, it underscores the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles to reach personal goals, thereby instilling a sense of fulfillment and contentment.


In films, the fact that you can always do a scene again takes a load off your mind, enabling you to strive for perfection, which I always wanted.

- Jessie Matthews

Always, Which, Films, Perfection

I dreaded doing close-ups.

- Jessie Matthews

Doing, Dreaded

When I first began, the technicians, camera and makeup men made me feel so self-conscious that I began to have the biggest inferiority complex about my looks.

- Jessie Matthews

Makeup, Self-Conscious, Inferiority

I collaborated on most of my dance numbers, literally 50/50, with the choreographers I worked with.

- Jessie Matthews

Most, Worked, Literally, Collaborated

I had a flair for comedy and could give a sustained performance.

- Jessie Matthews

Performance, Comedy, Give, Flair

For a London play, rehearsal time would be four weeks for the entire show. In films, I'd spend six weeks on the big dance numbers to get them perfect before the actual shooting.

- Jessie Matthews

Play, Big, Films, Actual

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