Mario Cantone Quotes

Powerful Mario Cantone for Daily Growth

About Mario Cantone

Mario Cantone, an esteemed American actor, comedian, and writer, was born on August 9, 1959, in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, New York. Raised by Italian-American parents, Cantone developed a keen sense of humor at a young age, often using it as a coping mechanism to navigate through life's challenges. Cantone's professional journey began on the New York City comedy circuit in the late 1980s. His unique blend of sarcastic wit and spot-on impressions quickly caught the attention of producers, landing him roles on popular TV shows such as "Saturday Night Live" and "The Rosie O'Donnell Show." In 1996, Cantone made his Broadway debut in "Love! Valour! Compassion!" His performance earned him a Tony Award nomination. Over the next two decades, he would become a fixture on the Great White Way, starring in numerous productions, including his memorable role as Harry Houdini in the musical "Houdini." Off-Broadway, Cantone co-wrote and starred in "Laugh Whore," a one-man show that tackled topics such as relationships, family, and aging. The show was met with critical acclaim and toured nationally. Cantone is also well-known for his work on the hit series "Sex and the City," where he played Anthony Marentino, a beloved character who was married to the character Stanford Blatch, portrayed by Willie Garson. Throughout his career, Cantone has used humor as a tool for social commentary, tackling topics such as gay rights, aging, and politics with his signature wit and charm. His work continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get - but I hope it's white chocolate!"

Mario Cantone playfully expresses an optimistic outlook on life, using a metaphor from Forrest Gump: "Life is like a box of chocolates." He suggests that just as one can never predict what kind of chocolate they might find in the box, life's experiences are unpredictable. However, he adds a twist by expressing a personal preference for white chocolate—indicating a hope for positive or desirable outcomes in his life. In essence, Cantone sees the unknown aspects of life as an adventure and expresses a hope that those adventures will bring him joy, as white chocolate is often considered delightful.


"I don't want to be normal. Normal is highly overrated."

This quote by Mario Cantone suggests a rejection of conformity and embracing uniqueness. In modern society, 'normal' often represents mainstream values or ways of living that may not reflect one's individuality, creativity, or true identity. Cantone asserts that being different, unique, or unusual is more valuable and fulfilling than adhering to societal norms which are sometimes seen as limiting or stifling personal growth and self-expression. The quote encourages people to embrace their uniqueness and challenge societal expectations in pursuit of authenticity and individual happiness.


"I believe that every day above ground is a good day."

This quote by Mario Cantone highlights the importance of appreciating life and each day we have the opportunity to live. It suggests that simply being alive is something to be cherished, as it's not guaranteed for everyone or for every day. The sentiment encourages us to find joy and gratitude in our everyday experiences, making each day a good one, regardless of external circumstances.


"You can't control how people see you, but you can control your reaction to it."

This quote emphasizes self-awareness and personal empowerment in navigating interpersonal relationships. It suggests that we cannot dictate how others perceive us, but we have the agency to choose our response to those perceptions. This could mean standing firm on our values, or choosing to learn from criticism rather than letting it define us. Essentially, we can focus on what we can control (our reaction) and let go of what we cannot (others' opinions).


"Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile."

This quote by Mario Cantone suggests that love, rather than being a fundamental driving force of existence or survival (like the sun, moon, or gravity), is an essential element that enhances and elevates our experiences in life. It implies that while various aspects drive the world to keep moving, love is what makes the journey significant, enjoyable, and valuable. In essence, Cantone is emphasizing that love's impact lies not so much in sustaining life but in enriching it emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically.


I'm crass, contemptuous and crude, obstreperous, obnoxious, rambunctiously raw and rude.

- Mario Cantone

Rude, Contemptuous, Raw

I knew the full 'Judy Garland Carnegie Hall' double album set at age 2. And then my mother wondered why I was gay. I was like, 'Are you nuts? You would make me get on the table to sing Judy Garland songs and you're upset?'

- Mario Cantone

Why, Upset, Hall, Judy

Who do you think I am, Pete Rose? I don't bet. I come from a long line of compulsive gamblers. Gambling scares me.

- Mario Cantone

Think, Line, Gamblers, Long Line

In the '70s, the gay movement was really making strides. Huge strides. And then AIDS came along and slapped a judgment on it all and the Right Wing religious movement was like, 'See. This is why, we told you.' And it pushed back the movement 30 years.

- Mario Cantone

Religious, Gay Movement, Wing

Our black president can't say that he's for gay marriage. That is upsetting to me.

- Mario Cantone

Marriage, Me, Black, Gay Marriage

I love animation, I really do, but I don't do it for the children.

- Mario Cantone

Love, Children, I Love, Animation

I know, it's weird that I've never done a musical. I turned down two of them. 'The Lion King' and 'The Producers.' I turned two of the biggest Broadway musicals down, am I a mess?

- Mario Cantone

Broadway, Musical, Turned, Lion King

I won't do reality. That is done. And I don't want people following me around with a camera 24 hours a day.

- Mario Cantone

Want, Done, Hours, 24 Hours

Look, you're either loved or hated. Which is a good thing, as Bette Davis used to say.

- Mario Cantone

Say, Which, A Good Thing, Hated

I hated high school. Ugh. I couldn't wait until it was over so I could sleep in. In college, I made sure all my classes were in the afternoon. I hated getting up in the morning.

- Mario Cantone

College, Wait, Over, Hated

I like to hold a book. When someone sends me a script, I ask for a hard copy or print one out.

- Mario Cantone

Book, Like, Script, Sends

I love doing scripted things. What little acting ability I have I am holding on with my hangnails.

- Mario Cantone

Love, Doing, Holding On, Acting Ability

Stand-up was like being on a Barbie townhouse stage.

- Mario Cantone

Stage, Like, Being, Barbie

I wouldn't live with me, believe me. I'm moody.

- Mario Cantone

Live, Me, Believe, Moody

I mean, the things you think will never happen, you have to confront; those things that come into your life that you thought you never could deal with, you do.

- Mario Cantone

Think, Happen, Deal, Confront

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