Mara Wilson Quotes

Powerful Mara Wilson for Daily Growth

About Mara Wilson

Mara Elizabeth Wilson, born November 10, 1987, is an American actress, writer, and vocalist best known for her roles in the late '90s, particularly as Matilda Wormwood in the film adaptation of Roald Dahl's 'Matilda' (1996) and as Natalie Hillard in 'Mrs. Doubtfire' (1993). Born and raised in Burbank, California, Wilson began her acting career at a young age. Her first significant role was on the television series 'Wind in the Willows' (1990-1992) followed by her breakthrough performance as Natalie Hillard, the daughter of Sally Field's character in 'Mrs. Doubtfire.' In 1996, Wilson brought Matilda to life on screen, showcasing her extraordinary talent for acting and vocal prowess. The film was a critical and commercial success, with Wilson receiving widespread praise for her performance. Following this, she appeared in films such as 'Miracle on 34th Street' (1994), 'Thomas and the Magic Railroad' (2000), and 'Big Fish' (2003). In addition to acting, Wilson has written for various publications, including The Huffington Post. In 2016, she published her memoir, 'Where Am I Now? Things Pretty Much Able Bodied People Say When You're Severely Ill and Trying to Recover, Homeless, and Figuring Out How to Dance,' which detailed her experiences with chronic illness, homelessness, and finding herself as an adult. Wilson continues to work in the entertainment industry, focusing on writing and vocal performances. Her work, both on-screen and off-, showcases her versatility and dedication to her craft. Despite her early fame, she remains humble and grounded, often using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and women's rights.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Magic is just knowing how to do stuff that nobody else does."

This quote by Mara Wilson suggests that magic, in a metaphorical sense, lies not in the supernatural but in possessing unique skills or knowledge that are uncommon among others. In essence, it highlights the value of individuality and expertise, implying that everyone has their own special "magic" to share with the world if they choose to cultivate and apply it.


"You can't be brave if you've only had wonderful things happen to you."

This quote by Mara Wilson suggests that true bravery is not merely the product of a life devoid of challenges or adversity, but rather it is demonstrated when one confronts fear or difficulty despite such experiences being uncommon. In other words, it's through overcoming hardships that we build resilience and learn to exhibit courage in the face of uncertainty.


"Everyone has a heart of the size of a planet for those they love."

This quote beautifully conveys the immense capacity for compassion, care, and affection that individuals possess for the people they cherish. The phrase "heart of the size of a planet" signifies an almost boundless reserve of love, emphasizing the depth and expansiveness of feelings we can harbor for our loved ones. It serves as a gentle reminder that despite our human limitations, when it comes to those close to us, there's no limit to our love.


"Dreams are extremely important. Dreams are essentially you mapping out your own life."

This quote by Mara Wilson highlights the crucial role that dreams play in shaping one's life. Dreams serve as a personal roadmap, guiding us towards our aspirations and goals. They offer a glimpse into what we truly want from life, helping us to steer ourselves towards fulfilling those desires. In essence, dreams are not just fleeting thoughts or whimsical ideas, but rather powerful tools that help shape the course of our lives.


"I think that the more you appreciate little things, the more peaceful and happy you'll be with your life."

The quote emphasizes the importance of finding joy in small, everyday moments as a path towards peace and happiness. By appreciating these minor details, one can develop a contented perspective on life, recognizing its inherent beauty and simplicity. This mindset encourages gratitude and a sense of fulfillment, fostering overall well-being.


I think that when I was child, acting was mostly just a hobby for me. It was something that my parents encouraged me to think of the way that my brothers thought of their cross-country classes, or my little sister to dance classes and art classes, and it was something like that for me.

- Mara Wilson

Thought, I Think, Mostly, Dance Classes

I can't take much pride in my childhood acting. It feels like it happened in another lifetime, and even then, it felt like a hobby.

- Mara Wilson

Childhood, Like, Feels, Hobby

I've always been more of a nerdy, academic type. I loved 'Star Wars' growing up. I have three older brothers, so they were a big influence on me. We loved 'Danger Mouse,' and we love 'Monty Python'. We loved any kind of British comedy and 'Wallace and Gromit' and all of that stuff.

- Mara Wilson

Love, Big, Been, Monty Python

The next time a former child star is in the news, look at the age at which he or she started performing. Then imagine making a life-changing decision at that age. Chances are good he or she wasn't the one who made it.

- Mara Wilson

Good, Next, Next Time, Chances

When people asked me what I was going to do when I grow up, I always said, 'I'm going to be a writer. I'm going to write screenplays. I'm going to write books. I'm going to write plays. That's what I'm going to do.'

- Mara Wilson

Grow, Always, Plays, Screenplays

I'm pretty cautious and not very athletic, so I've only had really dumb injuries, like sprained ankles and allergic reactions. I did have to go to the hospital after slicing my finger while trying to cut a Kaiser roll in half.

- Mara Wilson

Very, Cut, Half, Ankles

If I were to talk to Lindsay Lohan, I'd encourage her to get the hell out of acting and into something soothing. Take up botany or something.

- Mara Wilson

Hell, Botany, Soothing, Lindsay

I don't know if I'm always going to be acting. Maybe when I grow up, I will be a scriptwriter. I already have a few scripts in my head.

- Mara Wilson

Grow, Always, Going, Scripts

Not many child stars make it out of Hollywood alive or sane, and at any given time there are at least three former ones having very public breakdowns.

- Mara Wilson

Hollywood, Very, Given, Any Given Time

Acting is something I did when I was a kid. I do act sometimes in friends' projects, but when I do, it's just for fun. It is actually a hobby for me now. I do still love stage acting, but the day-to-day process of being an actor is so exhausting and so taxing.

- Mara Wilson

Love, Kid, Projects, Taxing

Considering all the legal hassle child stars can be, I won't be surprised when they are phased out by CGI children voiced by adult actors.

- Mara Wilson

Stars, CGI, Considering, Hassle

The celebrity aspect is nothing short of ridiculous, and auditioning is brutal and dehumanizing. Every time I see a pretty young girl on the subway reading sides for an audition, my only thought is, 'Man, am I glad I'm not doing that anymore.' I never feel nostalgia, just relief.

- Mara Wilson

Thought, Doing, Celebrity, Relief

Danny DeVito later told me that he knew he wanted me for 'Matilda' the second I walked in the door. I'm not sure if this is true, or if he was just being nice, but I was thrilled when I got it.

- Mara Wilson

Door, Being Nice, Got, Danny

I consider my relationship with acting in Hollywood as sort of a mutual breakup. Through puberty, Hollywood didn't really want me anymore, and I was like, 'Yeah, I don't really want you, either.'

- Mara Wilson

Through, Hollywood, Like, Breakup

I'd rather be known for my accomplishments, and for things that I really do take pride in, rather than known for this doll-like image I had when I was a child.

- Mara Wilson

Image, Rather, Had, Accomplishments

Assume everything you put on the Internet can and will be seen not only by the person you're talking about, but your future romantic partners and bosses, too.

- Mara Wilson

Will, Talking, About, Assume

That's my suggestion for kids who want to act, by the way: Make sure it's really your choice, get out of it when it stops being fun, and get an education.

- Mara Wilson

Education, Want, Sure, Suggestion

I remember feeling enormous pressure because I didn't want to be Shirley Temple. Shirley Temple was Shirley Temple, and I didn't ever feel like I could live up to that.

- Mara Wilson

I Remember, Like, Shirley, Temple

Here is something no real celebrity will ever tell you: film acting is not very fun. Doing the same thing over and over again until, in the director's eyes, you 'get it right' does not allow for very much creative freedom... In terms of sheer adrenaline, film has absolutely nothing on theater.

- Mara Wilson

Celebrity, Here, Allow, Film Acting

I don't have any plans to pursue film acting. It's not my thing anymore, if it ever was. Yes, I do still act sometimes. But when I do, it's with people I know and trust, people who respect me as a person and appreciate what I have to offer.

- Mara Wilson

Trust, Sometimes, Anymore, Film Acting

People who meet me as an adult are often surprised that I'm alive and have never been in prison or rehab. Sometimes they're disappointed I'm not cooler.

- Mara Wilson

Alive, Rehab, Been, Surprised

I think if I could do it over again - as much as I loved meeting the people I did on the films after 'Matilda' - I wish that I had stopped after 'Matilda.' I wish that I had just focused on my own life for a while.

- Mara Wilson

Own, I Think, Had, If I Could

I had people in 'Entertainment Weekly' talking about how they wanted to throttle me because they thought I was too disgustingly cute, as if that were my fault, you know, as if that was my fault, not the fault of directors and producers and such.

- Mara Wilson

Thought, Entertainment, Producers

I would like people to know me for who I am, especially since I think people have a very skewed image of me. I was playing a lot of cute characters, a lot of little girls; I was objectified. And I don't want people to think of me as that because it's not who I am, and because I've seen a lot of hostility towards that image.

- Mara Wilson

Cute, I Think, Very, Hostility

I'm originally from southern California, so I, like, say 'like', like, a lot. I've been trying to scrub any traces of Valley Girl from my speech since I moved to New York, but it's, like, totally way harder than anyone thinks, you know?

- Mara Wilson

Been, Southern, Moved, Scrub

'Mrs. Doubtfire' is still a fun movie, and it's still fun to watch, but it is hard to watch myself sometimes. I get very critical. And people will say, 'Mara, you were five.' And I'm like, 'Yeah, but I still should have known better!' I'm a lifelong perfectionist, what can I say?

- Mara Wilson

Movie, Critical, Very, Perfectionist

My mother died when I was young, and I was filming all the time. I was all over the place. Acting was the one constant.

- Mara Wilson

Young, Over, Constant, Filming

I think I might like to try film again just as an experiment, but I know that I could never do the mainstream thing again.

- Mara Wilson

Think, Like, I Think, Mainstream

I didn't want to be a former child actor for the rest of my life, although in some ways I suppose I am. I am going to be that.

- Mara Wilson

Rest, My Life, Some, Former

I still get recognized. It's flattering, but it can be uncomfortable. Maybe because it only seems to happen when I'm looking and feeling crappy.

- Mara Wilson

Happen, Still, Crappy, Seems

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