Kevin Kline Quotes

Powerful Kevin Kline for Daily Growth

About Kevin Kline

Kevin Kline, born on October 24, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri, is an acclaimed American actor known for his versatility across stage, screen, and television. Raised by a family of educators, Kline developed a passion for drama at Washington University in St. Louis where he majored in Drama and Philosophy. His professional acting career began on Broadway, with a Tony Award-winning performance in 'On the Twentieth Century' (1978). Kline continued to impress audiences with his portrayal of Jacques in Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' (1979), earning him another Tony. His charm and wit made him a household name in 1980s cinema, starring in classic films like 'Sophie's Choice,' 'The Big Chill,' and 'A Fish Called Wanda.' For his role as Otto West in 'A Fish Called Wanda,' Kline received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1988. Throughout the 90s, he balanced film appearances with memorable performances on stage and television, including a Tony-winning portrayal of Hamlet in 1995. In recent years, Kline has continued to act, with notable roles in 'Soapdish,' 'Dave,' and 'The Grand Seduction.' His contributions to the arts were honored with a Kennedy Center Honors award in 2013. Kevin Kline's influence extends beyond his performances. He is known for his commitment to humanitarian causes, particularly focusing on children's rights and environmental conservation. Quotes like "Laughter is the shortest distance between two people" exemplify his ability to connect with audiences through humor and humanity.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."

This quote by Kevin Kline emphasizes that one of life's most significant lessons is learning how to give and receive love. It implies that the experience of being genuinely loved, and reciprocating that affection, brings profound fulfillment and joy. By loving others and allowing ourselves to be loved in return, we develop emotional connections, foster empathy, and cultivate a sense of belonging, thereby enriching our lives.


"Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can."

This quote by Kevin Kline encourages living life to its fullest potential. It suggests embracing every opportunity and experience with enthusiasm, much like one would approach painting a picture by using all the colors (paint) available. In other words, this quotation invites us to live boldly, adventurously, and without restraint, making our lives as vibrant and colorful as possible.


"I think every actor secretly believes that they are Hamlet."

This quote implies a universal sentiment among actors, suggesting that each one harbors an innate desire to embody the complex and iconic character of Hamlet – Shakespeare's most renowned tragic hero. It illustrates the passion and ambition that drives artists to explore the depths of human emotion in their craft, aspiring to portray the nuances and intricacies of timeless characters.


"The first duty of an actor is to be honest."

Kevin Kline's quote emphasizes that in acting, authenticity and truthfulness are paramount. Actors should strive to portray their characters honestly and sincerely, without resorting to exaggeration or deceit. This requires a deep understanding of the character, empathy towards them, and a commitment to delivering genuine performances that resonate with audiences. By being honest in their craft, actors can create compelling and believable characters that bring stories to life on stage or screen.


"You have to remember: It's just a play. You know, you don't really die in the theatre, unless, of course, you get hit by a prop or something."

This quote emphasizes the idea that acting is an art form and the performances on stage are temporary and unreal. It suggests that actors should not let themselves become emotionally overwhelmed or take their roles too seriously as they are only characters in a play. Additionally, it humorously hints at the inherent risks of props and stage accidents in live theater. Overall, it underscores the importance of maintaining a sense of perspective and professional detachment while performing on stage.


It never ceases to surprise me, the people I get to work with. I'm in a French film with Sandrine Bonnaire? I adore Sandrine Bonnaire. I'm doing a picture for Robert Redford? The Sundance Kid? I have to pinch myself sometimes.

- Kevin Kline

Surprise, Doing, Pinch, Robert

I never went to class. That the university graduated me at all is an indictment of our educational system.

- Kevin Kline

Never, System, Educational, Indictment

I've never felt completely satisfied with what I've done. I tend to see things too critically. I'm trying to get over that.

- Kevin Kline

Satisfied, Over, Felt, Critically

I totally related to Cole Porter's magnetic pull to any piano that was in the room, which he was famous for doing, as was Gershwin. You couldn't drag them away from a piano.

- Kevin Kline

Doing, Famous, Which, Gershwin

I vowed I would never do a commercial, or a soap opera - both of which I did as soon as I left the Acting Company and was starving.

- Kevin Kline

Opera, Commercial, Which, Vowed

Most of the comedies I've done have been rather farcical and extravagant.

- Kevin Kline

Been, Most, Comedies, Extravagant

Nothing makes an actor feel freer and more inventive and more creative than being trusted.

- Kevin Kline

Actor, More, Trusted, Freer

When you have satire, it has to be real. No matter how outrageous the comedy becomes, you have to believe in the characters.

- Kevin Kline

Comedy, How, Characters, Outrageous

Some of my favorite characters that I've played have been very pompous because I love making fun of pompous people.

- Kevin Kline

Love, Some, Very, Pompous

I think every American actor wants to be a movie star. But I never wanted to do stupid movies, I wanted to do films.

- Kevin Kline

Stupid, Think, Films, Movie Star

It was all completely incomprehensible to me. I was fearful of the language. You had to look up every third word.

- Kevin Kline

Language, Look, Had, Fearful

Dogs do have feelings, I gather.

- Kevin Kline

Feelings, Dogs, Gather

We're all animals, but we're a different sort of animal. Maybe they're better than us. They're more loyal. They're more pure. They're more simple. They're not neurotic. Well, there are some neurotic dogs.

- Kevin Kline

More, Some, Maybe, Neurotic

I had studied piano since I was 13, but I was surrounded by students who'd been playing since they were 5. I realized I was never going to be anything but mediocre.

- Kevin Kline

Surrounded, Going, Been, Piano

I've got the Jewish guilt and the Irish shame and it's a hell of a job distinguishing which is which.

- Kevin Kline

Guilt, Shame, Which, Distinguishing

But, I do think, on a very simplistic level, that we can project onto dogs because they are so innocent. They don't come with a lot of baggage.

- Kevin Kline

Think, Very, Simplistic, Onto

Lots of people fantasize about what it would be like if they were president... Most think they'd be decent and wouldn't be corrupted at all, that they'd remain true to themselves.

- Kevin Kline

Think, Corrupted, Fantasize, Decent

I can play characters who sing, but I don't like singing in a nightclub or something. It's not my metier.

- Kevin Kline

Singing, Play, Like, Nightclub

I don't like talking about myself. I don't like talking about my personal life.

- Kevin Kline

Myself, Like, About, Personal Life

I just don't think I'm a very good singer.

- Kevin Kline

Think, Just, Very, Singer

You know, actors are fans, too. And talent is very attractive to me.

- Kevin Kline

Talent, Very, Too, Attractive

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