Larry Hovis Quotes

Powerful Larry Hovis for Daily Growth

About Larry Hovis

Larry Hovis (August 14, 1937 – June 28, 2016) was an American actor, writer, and artist, best known for his role as Corporal Hunnicutt on the hit television series M*A*S*H. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Hovis showed an early interest in art, music, and theater. After serving in the United States Air Force, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting. In the late 1960s, Hovis found success on television, with guest appearances on shows such as Bonanza, The Fugitive, and Mission: Impossible. In 1972, he landed the role that would define his career, portraying the kind-hearted, easygoing Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger on M*A*S*H. Hovis's portrayal of Klinger, who constantly tried to get discharged from the army by dressing in women's clothing, was a popular and memorable character on the show. After M*A*S*H ended in 1983, Hovis continued to act, appearing in movies such as The Great Muppet Caper (1981) and episodes of shows like The Love Boat and Fantasy Island. In the late 1990s, he turned his attention to writing, publishing a book of poems titled "Cowboy Poems" and contributing to a collection of essays about M*A*S*H called "The M*A*S*H Legacy." In addition to his acting and writing career, Hovis was an accomplished artist. He created numerous paintings and sculptures, many of which were inspired by his experiences on the road during his years as a truck driver before becoming an actor. Throughout his life, Hovis remained humble and grounded, crediting his success to luck and timing rather than any innate talent. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 78, leaving behind a rich legacy as a beloved actor, writer, and artist.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Every day's a new day, and you'll never find two days alike."

This quote by Larry Hovis suggests that each day is unique and different from any other. It emphasizes the unpredictability and ever-changing nature of life. The message encourages us to embrace every new day as an opportunity for fresh beginnings, personal growth, and new experiences, without dwelling on what has passed or expecting it to be exactly like the previous day.


"The hardest part about any job is to keep from bringing home your work."

This quote by Larry Hovis emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy separation between personal life and professional responsibilities. It suggests that balancing work and home life can be challenging, as it's easy for one's job to encroach upon personal time and space. The quote underscores the need for individuals to establish boundaries, ensuring they don't allow their work stress or obligations to negatively impact their personal well-being and relationships.


"I guess it's true what they say; there are no atheists in foxholes."

This quote, often attributed to Larry Hovis but originating from World War II, suggests that in moments of extreme fear, uncertainty, or danger (represented by a foxhole), people may find themselves turning to something greater for comfort, support, or guidance. It implies that in these life-threatening situations, one's beliefs about the existence of a higher power are less important than the instinctive human desire for hope and connection. This idea, therefore, questions whether there truly are atheists during critical times when survival and faith may seem intertwined.


"It's the little things in life that count, but one of the little things in life is doing big things."

This quote by Larry Hovis suggests that although small, seemingly insignificant actions or moments (the "little things") may not appear to have a significant impact on their own, they can become important when combined with other similar actions or moments, especially when those actions involve achieving something significant or meaningful ("doing big things"). In essence, the message is that it's not just the grand gestures that matter, but also the accumulation of small, positive actions that lead to creating a larger impact.


"The only way to make it as an actor is not to think about making it."

This quote by Larry Hovis suggests that the key to success in acting, or perhaps any creative pursuit, lies in focusing primarily on the craft itself rather than on achieving fame or success. By eliminating thoughts about "making it," an actor can instead immerse themselves fully in their work, which may lead to a more authentic and compelling performance. This mindset allows for a natural progression of talent, as opposed to forcing or manipulating outcomes, ultimately increasing the chances of success.


At some point, you've got to realize, you're either a leading man or you're not.

- Larry Hovis

Some, Leading, Either, Leading Man

I didn't equate a POW camp with a concentration camp.

- Larry Hovis

Concentration, Equate, POW, Camp

I was probably never going to get to do the kind of things dramatically that I really wanted to do, so I returned to theater from time to time, and to write, and produce. It's by no means sour grapes.

- Larry Hovis

Kind, Going, Means, Dramatically

I had to be sure we were doing something tasteful.

- Larry Hovis

Doing, Sure, Were, Tasteful

Any competent actor could have done what I did.

- Larry Hovis

Actor, Could, Any, Competent

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