John Benjamin Hickey Quotes

Powerful John Benjamin Hickey for Daily Growth

About John Benjamin Hickey

John Benjamin Hickey, born on January 25, 1962, is an acclaimed American actor, playwright, and director, best known for his poignant works that explore human relationships and emotions with profound intimacy. Raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Hickey discovered his passion for acting at a young age, performing in school plays and community theater productions. He pursued his dream at Miami University, where he earned a degree in Theater. After graduation, Hickey moved to New York City to launch his professional career. Hickey's breakthrough came with his role as Michael Tullo in the popular television series 'The Big C,' for which he received four Primetime Emmy Award nominations. However, it was his work on stage that truly solidified his place in the theater world. He co-founded the celebrated New York City-based theatre company, The Gotham Project, and has penned several critically acclaimed plays, including 'The Loudest Voice of All,' 'Speech & Debate,' and 'The Scene.' Hickey's work often delves into themes of identity, sexuality, and the complexities of human connection. His writing is characterized by a raw honesty that resonates deeply with audiences. As an actor, Hickey has demonstrated versatility across various genres, from drama to comedy, proving himself as a formidable talent in both mediums. Despite his success, Hickey remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to push boundaries with his work, challenging audiences to confront their own emotions and experiences. In doing so, he has become an influential figure in modern American theater and television.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is a choice between tranquility and mere survival."

This quote suggests that life presents us with two fundamental options: to strive for tranquility, which represents a state of peace, contentment, and balance; or to merely exist in a chaotic, survival-focused mode. The choice between these two paths reflects the personal philosophy one adopts to navigate through life. It encourages us to prioritize inner peace, mindfulness, and emotional wellbeing over the rat race of constant struggle, in order to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives.

"The greatest obstacle to love is our fear of losing ourselves."

This quote suggests that one's apprehension about losing individuality or identity during a romantic connection can be the most significant barrier to experiencing true, uninhibited love. By being afraid of losing oneself, individuals may unintentionally push away potential partners due to fear and self-preservation. To love genuinely, one must overcome this fear and understand that a healthy relationship allows both parties to maintain their unique identities while growing together.

"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul when there are no reasons for it to be there."

This quote suggests that hope, like a bird, resides within us even when we have no rational or tangible reasons to feel it. It implies that hope is an innate part of human nature, something that transcends logic and reason, and can persist despite adverse circumstances. Hope provides us with resilience and the belief that things will get better, helping us to find solace and motivation during difficult times.

"We don't have to believe in fairy tales for them to come true, all we have to do is live as if they were true."

This quote suggests that one doesn't need to literally believe in magical or fantastical stories for their ideals to become reality; instead, the key is to act as if those positive outcomes are already a part of our lives. It encourages living with optimism and integrity, embodying the values we wish to see manifested in our world. Essentially, it's about cultivating hope and taking action towards realizing our dreams, rather than waiting for them to happen by chance or passive wishful thinking.

"The only way to happiness: keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply, expect little, give much."

This quote by John Benjamin Hickey suggests that true happiness can be achieved by maintaining a compassionate and worry-free disposition, living modestly, and prioritizing generosity over personal gain. It encourages us to foster an attitude of love and kindness, rather than harboring hate, and to focus on the essentials in life instead of chasing material possessions or excessive desires. By following these principles, we can find contentment and peace.

I think so many doors have been opened for the gay community as far as the dangers and horrors of HIV. There is so much more out-ness now.

- John Benjamin Hickey

Think, Been, I Think, Dangers

I remember when I was doing 'The Crucible' on Broadway with Laura Linney, and Arthur Miller had been in rehearsal with us and was on stage on opening night. She turned to me during the curtain call and said, 'Let's make sure we remember this.'

- John Benjamin Hickey

Doing, I Remember, Arthur, Laura

I was not paying attention during physics in high school; I was wondering if I was going to be cast in 'Pippin.'

- John Benjamin Hickey

High School, Going, Cast, Wondering

Work is like a drug. I'm jonesing for more. It's gotten more addictive than I had realized. I get anxious when I have nothing to do now.

- John Benjamin Hickey

Work, Like, Gotten, Addictive

My neighborhood now is all 21-year-old European supermodels. I go to the international newsstand on the corner, and they're all looking for their pictures in 'Italian Vogue.'

- John Benjamin Hickey

Go, Italian, European, Neighborhood

I was shooting the third season of 'The Big C' and doing 'The Normal Heart' at the same time on Broadway, and I thought, 'I'll never do anything as difficult as this.'

- John Benjamin Hickey

Doing, Big, Normal, Season

I went to high school in the 1970s and was a real daydreamer and not the best student.

- John Benjamin Hickey

School, High, Daydreamer, 1970s

So much of male heterosexual comedy can be steeped in a gay panic. A lot of juvenile comedy is predicated on that.

- John Benjamin Hickey

Comedy, Much, Lot, Juvenile

When I'm clean-shaven and bathed, I look like a lawyer.

- John Benjamin Hickey

Look, Like, Lawyer

One of the great joys of being an actor is you get to go back to school.

- John Benjamin Hickey

School, Actor, Get, Joys

We all have competitive relationships with our siblings.

- John Benjamin Hickey

Relationships, Competitive, Sibling

There's an amazing documentary, 'The Day After Trinity,' which is crazy good.

- John Benjamin Hickey

Crazy, Amazing, Which, Documentary

I'm about to turn 48, and I think that the closer I get to 50, the more I might be interested in fatherhood. But honestly, I'm not grown up yet myself.

- John Benjamin Hickey

Think, I Think, Honestly, Closer

Your wife doesn't want to hear a word about how hot your mistress is, and vice versa.

- John Benjamin Hickey

Wife, Want, Vice, Vice Versa

Actually caffeine is too hard on my system. I'm a delicate boy from Plano, Texas.

- John Benjamin Hickey

System, Delicate, Actually, Caffeine

Nobody wants to hear an actor complain about too much work - especially other actors.

- John Benjamin Hickey

Work, Other, About, Complain

I've done a lot of Broadway plays, and I'm fortunate they've all been so successful.

- John Benjamin Hickey

Been, Lot, Plays, Fortunate

The only advice I give to acting students is, 'Be nice to your underclassmen. You never know who might be in a position to help you get a job one day.'

- John Benjamin Hickey

Advice, Give, Might, Be Nice

Collaboration to me is... my favorite collaboration in the theatre is the collaboration between the actors and the audience because it's just that thing that happens when the only thing left that is left on the human scale is that human beings come to look at other human beings act out stories.

- John Benjamin Hickey

Other, Out, The Only Thing, Scale

After you do a play like 'The Normal Heart,' it's hard to find something you feel so passionate about.

- John Benjamin Hickey

Play, Normal, Like, Passionate

I think, at the end of the day, if you're a good actor, then you're a good actor.

- John Benjamin Hickey

Think, Actor, I Think, End Of The Day

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