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John Slattery Quotes

Powerful John Slattery for Daily Growth

About John Slattery

John Slattery, born on August 13, 1962, is an acclaimed American actor, writer, producer, and director, best known for his portrayal of Roger Sterling in the AMC series "Mad Men" which earned him four Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Slattery developed a passion for acting while studying at the BFA program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He later moved to New York City where he joined the renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company and made his Broadway debut in "Balm in Gilead." Slattery's breakthrough role came in 1987 when he was cast as the villainous Freddie Rumsen in Aaron Sorkin's NBC drama series "Sports Night," a role that would introduce him to a wider audience. However, it was his portrayal of Roger Sterling in "Mad Men" that truly solidified his status as a leading actor. In addition to his acting career, Slattery has directed episodes of "30 Rock," "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," and "Modern Family." He has also written for shows such as "Saturday Night Live" and "The Simpsons." Slattery's work is heavily influenced by the American theater scene, particularly the works of Tennessee Williams and Edward Albee. His performances often showcase a nuanced understanding of character development and a knack for delivering witty, incisive dialogue. A versatile artist, John Slattery continues to captivate audiences with his diverse range of roles in film, television, and theater, solidifying his position as one of the most respected figures in contemporary American acting.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The key to acting is reacting."

The quote "The key to acting is reacting" suggests that a strong actor's ability lies not just in delivering lines or portraying a specific character, but in their capacity to respond authentically to the situation, environment, and other actors around them. In essence, this quote emphasizes the importance of being able to adapt and react convincingly within a given context, thereby creating a believable performance. It is a reminder that acting is not only about what one does, but also about how one reacts to what others do.

"I've been doing this for so long, it's not really about the awards anymore."

This quote suggests that after a prolonged career, the actor, John Slattery, has reached a point where recognition through awards is no longer the primary motivation for his work. Instead, his focus might be on personal fulfillment, artistic growth, or other aspects of the creative process. It's about appreciating the journey and experience rather than solely chasing validation through external accolades.

"I think what I love most about live theater is that every night it's a new experience."

This quote emphasizes the unique, unrepeatable nature of live theater performances. Every time a play is staged, it is a fresh, new experience, unlike recorded or streamed performances which can be watched repeatedly. The energy, emotion, and spontaneity that come from the interaction between actors and audience in real-time contribute to an ever-evolving, dynamic experience that celebrates the ephemeral beauty of live performance art.

"I'm in this business because I love telling stories and working with other actors."

This quote emphasizes that John Slattery, an actor, is passionate about two main aspects of his profession: storytelling and collaborating with fellow actors. He finds joy and fulfillment in both the creative process of crafting narratives and the dynamic interactions that come with working as part of a team to bring those stories to life on screen. This perspective underscores his dedication and genuine love for his chosen career path.

"I've always loved the idea of playing characters who were very different from myself."

This quote suggests that John Slattery appreciates acting roles that challenge him to step outside his personal comfort zone or characteristics, offering opportunities to embody individuals with unique traits and experiences, thereby expanding both the actor's and audience's perspectives.

And I don't want to jump out of an airplane - I've done that.

- John Slattery

Jump, Want, Done, Airplane

I've dyed my hair a million times and it looks terrible, always. It just looks fake. And it doesn't make me look that much younger.

- John Slattery

Look, Always, Younger, Fake

As an actor, you see a sliver of how the show is made, but to see the actual writing process and the re-writing process and the casting process and art direction and set design - all of this is happening in a very intense period.

- John Slattery

Process, Very, Actual, Writing Process

I was a horrible limo driver: I ran out of gas with passengers in the back and I used to get lost on a regular basis.

- John Slattery

Back, Used, Passengers, Ran

I guess, you make a big studio film, you spend a lot of money on it and you hope people go see it. It's really risky.

- John Slattery

Big, Go, Studio, Risky

You put a movie star or a bunch of movie stars in a movie, it doesn't mean people are gonna go see it. It's been proven time and time again.

- John Slattery

Star, Movie, Been, Time And Time

For some reason surfing... I'm not scared of the ocean so the risk doesn't seem as great to me.

- John Slattery

Ocean, Reason, Some, Scared

Characters can become boring. That's what's tricky about television. It goes on and on - you're playing this same character for five seasons and it gets easy to fall into just walking on the set and assuming you know how to play a scene.

- John Slattery

Play, About, Scene, Assuming

When I first started, I was kind of surprised that anyone would ever hire me at all. So I took everything that I was offered.

- John Slattery

Kind, Hire, Took, Surprised

When I was coming up, everybody wanted to be Tom Hanks. There was always Robert De Niro and Al Pacino - they were the heavily dramatic stuff. I always had a foot in both camps. The hardest thing was to resist the advice to be like someone else. It took me a while to figure that out.

- John Slattery

Advice, Everybody, De Niro, None

I have met Tom Hanks. Several times. And he's been very nice.

- John Slattery

Been, Very, Times, None

I like to try the scene over and over, but given the confines of television, I don't have that option.

- John Slattery

Over, Like, Given, Option

Viewers can hate a character and at the same time can't take their eyes off of him.

- John Slattery

Character, Same, Take, Viewers

Let's face it, making movies is all risk. Most of the time, batting average-wise, the reward does not outweigh the risk.

- John Slattery

Reward, Making, Outweigh, Batting

You learn pretty quickly: if you fall in love with your edit, you're bound to be heartbroken because it will all be re-cut.

- John Slattery

Love, Learn, Pretty, Heartbroken

I've done a lot of pilots. A lot of shows. You're young and you do a job just because you know someone gave you a job.

- John Slattery

Young, Done, Lot, Pilots

I think the moments that are difficult for anybody are when you see what your life could be, if only you had the courage to take the steps needed.

- John Slattery

Think, I Think, Anybody, Steps

I think the ongoing discussion of the world of advertising is, 'Where is the soul in advertising?'

- John Slattery

Think, I Think, Ongoing, Discussion

On 'Mad Men,' I have a bit of an advantage because I know who gets better as they repeat a scene and who's best at the beginning.

- John Slattery

Best, Beginning, Advantage, Repeat

Memories are just stories we tell ourselves about our past; and that's often why they don't match when we've shared the same experiences with someone.

- John Slattery

Past, Stories, Shared, Memories

When I was growing up, the top movies dealt with grown-up, complex emotions.

- John Slattery

Growing Up, Growing, Movies, Dealt

But the path you end up on means that you have to close a lot of doors, too.

- John Slattery

Path, Lot, Means, Doors

I think I gravitate towards people who express themselves in a simple and funny way.

- John Slattery

Think, Express, I Think, Gravitate

I've never directed anything before 'Mad Men,' so I don't feel I have any advice for the other directors.

- John Slattery

Other, Before, Directed, Directors

The rule of surfing is never tell anyone where you go.

- John Slattery

Never, Tell, Anyone, Surfing

My wife tells me I need to learn to be more patient with my son.

- John Slattery

Son, Need, Tells, Patient

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