Lynda Obst Quotes

Powerful Lynda Obst for Daily Growth

About Lynda Obst

Lynda Obst is an eminent American screenwriter, producer, and best-selling author whose career spans over four decades. Born on May 13, 1951, in New York City, she grew up in a Jewish family with strong roots in the entertainment industry. Her father, Solomon Obst, was a successful Broadway producer, while her mother, Selma Obst, worked as an actress and director. Obst's early life was marked by a love for storytelling and a fascination with Hollywood. After studying English at Brown University, she began her career in the entertainment industry as a script reader at Columbia Pictures. This experience provided her with a unique insight into the creative process, which would later prove invaluable in her own work. In 1984, Obst made her debut as a screenwriter with the critically acclaimed film "Silkwood," for which she was nominated for an Academy Award. The film, based on the true story of Karen Silkwood, a nuclear worker who uncovered safety violations at her plant, was a testament to Obst's ability to craft compelling narratives from real-life events. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Obst continued to write and produce successful films, including "Contact" (1997) starring Jodie Foster and "The Fisher King" (1991) starring Robin Williams. In addition to her film work, she has authored several best-selling books, most notably "Hello, He Lied: A Memoir" and "Sleepless in Hollywood," which offer insightful observations about the entertainment industry and the creative process. Today, Lynda Obst continues to be an influential figure in the world of film and literature. Her work is characterized by a keen eye for human drama and a deep understanding of the complexities of the creative process. Her contributions to cinema and storytelling have earned her numerous accolades and admiration from both her peers and audiences alike.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The stories we tell ourselves about our lives are often the ones that hold us back."

This quote emphasizes that limiting beliefs or narratives we create about ourselves and our circumstances can unintentionally hinder our personal growth and potential. By recognizing and challenging these self-imposed stories, we can break free from self-imposed limitations, foster a mindset of possibility, and propel ourselves forward in life.


"The greatest gift is a passion for something larger than yourself."

This quote by Lynda Obst emphasizes that one of life's most valuable gifts is a deep, profound passion for something greater than oneself. It suggests that when we are passionate about something beyond our personal interests, we find purpose and meaning in our lives, which transcends individual needs and contributes to the greater good. This passion drives us to grow, learn, and make a positive impact on the world around us.


"Life doesn't happen to you; it happens for you."

This quote by Lynda Obst suggests that life events, whether positive or negative, serve a purpose in our personal growth and development. Instead of regarding life as something happening arbitrarily to us, we should view it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. In other words, every experience, good or bad, is there to shape us, guide us, and help us realize our full potential. It encourages us to seek meaning in our experiences and find ways to grow from them.


"If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try."

This quote by Lynda Obst suggests that if an action or endeavor makes one feel fear or apprehension, it could be worth pursuing as it may lead to personal growth and meaningful experiences. The feeling of fear often indicates a challenge or risk, and overcoming these obstacles can foster resilience, confidence, and self-discovery. It encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones, embrace change, and seize opportunities for growth and learning.


"Stories are everywhere, but the good ones aren't easy to find."

This quote suggests that while ideas for stories can be found abundantly in our surroundings, it takes effort and discernment to discover compelling, high-quality narratives. It implies that not every story has the potential to captivate audiences or convey meaningful themes, and the truly good ones require a careful search and a keen understanding of what makes a story effective and engaging.


The lack of women directors is a sad fact of life. Kathryn Bigelow's thrilling Best Director win may help turn things around.

- Lynda Obst

Fact, Director, May, Thrilling

When I was starting out, the first women studio heads and writers were just getting into their perches - development execs learning their chops.

- Lynda Obst

Development, Studio, Chops

Directing is the last frontier for women in the movie business. We are studio heads, we are producers and we are writers, but we are not directors in any numbers.

- Lynda Obst

Frontier, Last, Studio, Directing

Every single one of us who has been a 'Woman in Film' for more than five minutes is sick of the phrase 'Women in Film.'

- Lynda Obst

Woman, More, Been, Phrase

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.