John Barrowman Quotes

Powerful John Barrowman for Daily Growth

About John Barrowman

John Barrowman is a Scottish actor, singer, presenter, and author, best known for his roles in various television series including Captain Jack Harkness from "Doctor Who" and "Torchwood," and Malcolm Merlyn on "Arrow." Born on March 11, 1967, in Glasgow, Scotland, Barrowman was raised by a strict but loving family. He grew up with a passion for music and drama, inspired by his older sister, actress Jessie Wallace. Barrowman's career began as a singer in the 1980s when he joined the BBC TV talent show "It's No Secret." After a brief stint in a boy band called Peach, Barrowman moved to London to pursue a solo career. In 1993, he debuted on the West End stage as Billy Crocker in Cole Porter's "Anything Goes." In 2005, Barrowman joined the cast of "Doctor Who" and later its spin-off series "Torchwood," for which he earned a Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor. In addition to his acting work, Barrowman has authored several books, including "Anything Goes" (2011), an autobiography that covers his early life and career, and the science fiction novel "Hollow Earth" (2014). Barrowman is openly gay and an active advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. In 2013, he married his long-time partner Scott Gill in Bollington, Cheshire, England. Barrowman has been nominated for several awards throughout his career, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series and a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor on Television. Today, John Barrowman continues to act, sing, and write, demonstrating a versatile talent that has captivated audiences worldwide. His infectious energy, charisma, and dedication to his craft make him an enduring figure in the entertainment industry.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"You can't change the past, but you can ruin your present by worrying about it or you can learn from it and create a wonderful future."

This quote emphasizes that we cannot alter the events of our past, but our actions in the present – whether we worry excessively about the past or learn from it – significantly influence our future. It encourages the reader to focus on personal growth, using past experiences as lessons rather than sources of distress, ultimately creating a more promising and fulfilling future.


"Be brave, be strong, and always stand up for what you believe in."

This quote by John Barrowman encourages individuals to display courage, resilience, and unwavering conviction in their beliefs. It suggests that one should face challenges bravely, maintain strength amidst adversity, and never compromise on their principles or values. Essentially, it is a call-to-action for people to stand firm in their convictions and fight for what they believe in life.


"The only limits we have are those that we put on ourselves, so break through them every day."

This quote by John Barrowman emphasizes personal empowerment and self-imposed limitations. It encourages individuals to continually challenge themselves, to push past the perceived boundaries they've set for themselves, and to strive for growth daily. The essence of this quote is that our potential is vast and often held back only by our own doubts or fears. By breaking through those self-imposed limits, we unlock our true potential and pave the way for personal and professional success.


"Life's too short to spend it hating people or being angry with someone or something."

This quote highlights the importance of positivity, understanding, and forgiveness in life. It suggests that one should not invest their time and energy in harboring negative feelings towards others or situations, as such emotions can cause unnecessary distress and hinder personal growth and happiness. Instead, it encourages us to focus on love, understanding, and moving forward in a constructive manner, making the most of our finite life experience.


"Always remember: you're never alone, there is always someone who loves you and wants the best for you."

This quote by John Barrowman emphasizes that no matter what circumstances one may find themselves in, they should never feel isolated or abandoned. It assures everyone that there exists at least one person who cares deeply about them, wishes only the best for their well-being, and is always present in spirit. By reinforcing this idea, Barrowman encourages individuals to embrace support and encouragement from others as a source of strength and resilience during challenging times.


I have a real passion for driving. Earlier on in my life I wanted to be a race car driver. But I don't pay an extortionate amount of money for cars. I'm pretty frugal.

- John Barrowman

My Life, Pretty, Amount, Race Car

My humour and my work ethic definitely come from my Scottish side, and I have to say the sense of humour doesn't really translate when I'm in America.

- John Barrowman

Work, Come, Side, Scottish

I did archery when I was in high school. In our gym class we had two weeks of archery, and I remember taking the bow and arrow and firing it up and across the street into a car parking lot.

- John Barrowman

Parking, I Remember, Weeks, Two Weeks

Wherever I am, I will embrace the life and the lifestyle. I've lived in Hollywood before, and we've moved into the old neighbourhood in West Hollywood. I love California.

- John Barrowman

Love, Embrace, Hollywood, Neighbourhood

Whenever I'm in Glasgow I go and stand outside the front of the house I grew up in, which is in Mount Vernon.

- John Barrowman

Go, Glasgow, Which, Mount

I was the one who taught my sister and my niece how to walk in high heels.

- John Barrowman

How, High, Taught, Niece

When I was a kid growing up in the States in the late '70s and early '80s, as soon as 'Dallas' came on on a Friday night on CBS at 9 P.M., we stopped everything from that moment on as a family.

- John Barrowman

Kid, Dallas, Friday Night, Friday

You know, every year 'Torchwood' has become something a little different than it was before. It's still sci-fi, but it doesn't just deal with spaceships and aliens all the time, because we've done that. Our science fiction is more psychological.

- John Barrowman

Year, Deal, Psychological, Science Fiction

What I can say that's different in American television... in Britain, they wouldn't cancel something after a couple of episodes. In the States they would. They would just decide it's not working, take it off and put something else in on the fall schedule.

- John Barrowman

Cancel, Couple, Britain, Episodes

I find with television, you have to play personality, whereas onstage, everyone talks about 'the character,' and what you do. It's a very different thing, because stage is much bigger, but on television, for things to come across to the public, I think you have to play a bit of your personality.

- John Barrowman

Play, I Think, Very, Whereas

I'm really passionate about pantomime because it is often the first introduction for a child to theatre, and if that child has a great experience at a pantomime they will continue to come year after year.

- John Barrowman

Passionate, Will, Year, Great Experience

For some reason I seem to be a massive hit with middle-aged women. I seriously don't know what it is.

- John Barrowman

Reason, Some, Hit, Middle-Aged

It wasn't until I got involved in 'Doctor Who' that I started doing dramas on television.

- John Barrowman

Doctor, Doing, Involved, Dramas

The one thing that makes 'Torchwood' work so brilliantly and makes it a little bit above the rest of all other sci-fi dramas out there is that we have a sense of humour.

- John Barrowman

Work, Rest, Other, Dramas

I'm lively when I perform and I always put everything into a show, but when I get home I love lying down in front of the TV and relaxing.

- John Barrowman

Love, Always, TV, Lively

I think my biggest appeal for fans is probably the fact that I'm honest. I'm up front about who I am. I'm a little naughty. I have a naughty side and everybody knows that. But I know when to use that and when not to.

- John Barrowman

Fact, Everybody, I Think, Front

Have I ever been the shy retiring type? Never. Not since the day I was born.

- John Barrowman

Never, Been, Ever, Retiring

I don't feel sorry for myself, because I'm living my dream. Even when I was a little boy I used to stand in the playground and pretend I was on 'Opportunity Knocks.'

- John Barrowman

Myself, Living, Feel, Knocks

When I was younger I wanted to be an airline pilot, but that lasted for about 30 seconds.

- John Barrowman

Pilot, Younger, Wanted, Seconds

If you do something and it goes wrong, you learn from it and you move on.

- John Barrowman

Learn, Goes, Move, Move On

My first professional job was actually at a place called Opryland U.S.A., which no longer exists, but I've been performing since I was a kid.

- John Barrowman

Performing, Been, Which, Exists

I don't call myself an actor, I call myself an entertainer, because I don't just do one thing.

- John Barrowman

Myself, Actor, Call, Entertainer

'Desperate Housewives' was a good experience, though, as I got to play the bad guy for once. My only complaint was they had me in a lot of sweaters.

- John Barrowman

Play, Housewives, Though, Sweaters

You have to do bad things in order to become a hero. You have to make sacrifices.

- John Barrowman

Bad, Things, Sacrifices, Bad Things

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