Judy Davis Quotes

Powerful Judy Davis for Daily Growth

About Judy Davis

Judy Davis (born October 23, 1955) is an acclaimed Australian actress and filmmaker, known for her powerful performances on stage, screen, and behind the camera. Born in Perth, Western Australia, she developed a love for acting from a young age, making her stage debut at just seven years old. Davis moved to Sydney in her early twenties to pursue an acting career, quickly making a name for herself with roles in theatre productions such as "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" and "A Streetcar Named Desire." Her breakout film role came in 1981 when she starred alongside Meryl Streep in the romantic drama "A Cry in the Dark," which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Davis continued to impress audiences with her versatile performances in films like "The Remains of the Day," "Husbands and Wives," and "Nixon." In addition to her acting work, she made her directorial debut with the award-winning short film "Saints" in 1996. Known for her fearless portrayals of complex, multi-dimensional women, Davis has been influenced by a variety of artists throughout her career, including Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh. In 2004, she was honored with the Order of Australia for her contributions to the arts. Davis's notable works include her roles as Queen Elizabeth I in "Elizabeth I," Margaret Sinclair in "The Doll's House," and Ruth Langmore in the critically acclaimed Netflix series "Ozark." She continues to act, direct, and produce, making significant contributions to Australian cinema and beyond.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Women are the real architects of society."

This quote highlights the significant role that women have played, and continue to play, in shaping societies throughout history. It underscores the idea that the foundational structures and values of a culture are often influenced or created by women – whether through nurturing relationships, education, community building, or political activism. In essence, it suggests that the power to construct and mold society lies not just in the hands of formal leaders but also in the everyday actions and decisions made by women.


"I'm not a heroine, but I play one at the movies."

This quote by Judy Davis suggests that she identifies more with her character roles in films than with any heroic aspects of her real life. It implies a separation between her personal identity and the characters she portrays on screen, suggesting a level of immersion or dedication to her acting craft. Furthermore, it highlights the transformative nature of acting, where an actor can embody various personas, even if they do not align with their own self-perception.


"Acting is just a way of making a living, like fishing or open-heart surgery."

This quote by Judy Davis emphasizes that acting, like other professions such as fishing or open-heart surgery, is a means to earn a livelihood. It suggests that the artistry and creativity often associated with acting should not overshadow its basic function of being a job. The statement underscores the idea that actors have a practical role in society while also highlighting the skill and dedication required in their craft.


"You don't choose your passions; your passions choose you."

This quote suggests that one doesn't actively decide what they are passionate about, but rather, their passions emerge organically. It implies that our deepest interests and motivations are not chosen consciously, but are instead intrinsic to who we are as individuals. These passions drive us, give us purpose, and define our personal journeys in life.


"I think it's good to have a few demons in your life, as long as they're under control."

This quote suggests that having personal struggles or inner conflicts (demonstrated by the use of "demons") is an inevitable part of human existence. However, it's crucial to maintain control over these challenges, rather than letting them control us. In other words, embracing difficulties in a manageable way can foster resilience and personal growth, contributing to a more fulfilling life.


It's not a country of articulate people, sophisticated people. There's too little subtlety. Men and women don't enjoy each other very much in Australia. I don't find very many men sexy in Australia. Of course, I'm married and out of it, but still.

- Judy Davis

Country, Subtlety, Very, Sophisticated

I was 23, and that was my first professional job. Anybody who has curly hair knows you don't want it to be brushed out because it becomes a never-ending tangle.

- Judy Davis

Want, Anybody, Tangle, Curly

Judy Garland was just so delicious in every way and just so honest and generous.

- Judy Davis

Honest, Garland, Generous, Judy

Judy Garland's father was gay. That seems to be the consensus. They left Minnesota and went to California because he got caught with some boy backstage.

- Judy Davis

Some, Caught, Garland, Judy

This might be the first generation where kids are dying at a younger age than their parents and it's related primarily to the obesity problem.

- Judy Davis

Generation, Younger, Might, Younger Age

I think male roles are generally much better written. So for actresses, we're always dealing with trying to inject a role with more truth than the writer possibly had in mind.

- Judy Davis

Role, I Think, Roles, Possibly

My Brilliant Career was beautifully directed, but I had a bit of trouble with myself in it. It was a silly script, based on a book this 16-year-old girl wrote.

- Judy Davis

Career, Brilliant, Based, Beautifully

Most women seem to be required to pit themselves against men in dramatic situations, and the men got to pit themselves against ideas or God.

- Judy Davis

Ideas, Against, Dramatic, Pit

When I first started acting, and we would all sit down and talk about Shakespeare and how great it was. I thought well, I suppose it is.

- Judy Davis

Thought, Started, About, Shakespeare

A lot of really good directors have a killer in them, as if they'd do anything to get that image. But that comes with the terrain and I don't mind it.

- Judy Davis

Mind, Image, Directors, Terrain

Lorna was quite young when her mother died, and I think she's blocked out some of the memories. I talked to her a little bit about that, but I wasn't prepared to go around and poke and hurt her.

- Judy Davis

Young, Some, I Think, Poke

I've never worked for the sake of working. There's probably enough crap out there for me not to add to it.

- Judy Davis

Never, Crap, Add, Sake

Anybody who knows me knows my vote can't be bought.

- Judy Davis

Me, Vote, Anybody, Bought

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