Mary Lynn Rajskub Quotes

Powerful Mary Lynn Rajskub for Daily Growth

About Mary Lynn Rajskub

Mary Lynn Rajskub, born on June 22, 1961, in Detroit, Michigan, is an American actress, comedian, and voice artist who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry with her unique humor and versatile performances. Raised in Michigan and educated at New York University's Tisch School of Arts, Rajskub's early career began on the New York improv comedy circuit, where she honed her comedic skills and developed her distinctive style. Her breakthrough role came when she joined the cast of the hit television series "24" (2001-2010), playing the quirky Chloe O'Brian, a role that earned her two Satellite Awards and three Emmy nominations. In addition to her work in television, Rajskub has lent her voice to numerous animated projects, including "Ice Age" and "The Simpsons." She also co-created, wrote, produced, and starred in the cult web series "Viva Variety" (2013-2014). Rajskub's influence extends beyond her work on screen. She is known for her activism, particularly in support of environmental causes. Her comedy often incorporates sharp social commentary and satire, reflecting her keen observational skills and witty humor. When it comes to quotes, Rajskub's wisdom and humor shine through: "I don't like the word 'can't.' If you think you can't do something, then you're probably right," and "I am the voice of reason. I'm the one that says, 'Let's have a talk about this first before we act.'" These quotes encapsulate her resilience, humor, and pragmatic approach to life. Mary Lynn Rajskub continues to captivate audiences with her acting, writing, and activism, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and inspiring generations of comedians and actors to come.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I love acting because it's like doing math but with emotions."

This quote suggests that, for Mary Lynn Rajskub, acting is akin to mathematics, but instead of numbers and formulas, it involves dealing with emotions. It implies that just as mathematics requires logical thinking, precision, and problem-solving skills, acting demands an understanding and manipulation of emotional elements in a scene or character. The quote highlights the intellectual challenge and artistry involved in both fields.


"I was a real overachiever as a kid. I got a scholarship to go to Juilliard for drama when I was 16, and then I went on to college at UCLA."

This quote suggests that Mary Lynn Rajskub was an exceptionally dedicated and ambitious individual from a young age. She demonstrated exceptional talent in the field of drama, earning a scholarship to attend the prestigious Juilliard School at the age of 16. Following her time at Juilliard, she further pursued her education by attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Her journey showcases a relentless passion for the arts and an unwavering commitment to academic excellence.


"It's amazing how much you can learn about yourself if you do things just to make someone happy."

This quote suggests that when we act primarily for the purpose of making others happy, we often discover new aspects about ourselves. In the process, we may uncover hidden strengths, weaknesses, values, or passions, ultimately leading to self-discovery and personal growth.


"When you take a stand for something that matters to you, even though it makes you vulnerable, the universe will align in ways you can't even imagine."

This quote suggests that when an individual stands up boldly for something they deeply care about, despite being exposed to potential risks or vulnerabilities, the universe conspires mysteriously to support them in ways beyond their current imagination. Essentially, it underscores the power of conviction, courage, and perseverance, implying that one's unwavering commitment to a cause may open up unexpected opportunities and favorable circumstances.


"I feel most like myself when I'm creating or making art. It allows me to tap into parts of my soul that can be hard to access otherwise."

This quote suggests that for Mary Lynn Rajskub, the process of creating or making art serves as a means to connect deeply with her own identity and emotions. Art-making allows her to access hidden aspects of herself that might not be easily reached in everyday life, fostering personal growth and self-discovery. The power of artistic expression is seen as a valuable tool for self-realization and understanding one's soul.


I'm doing stand-up comedy. I'm working on a one-woman show about how I don't like my baby. There is a period of time where a baby is born where the next 3 months is harrowing. A lot of people say it's the most wonderful time, but for me it was harrowing.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Doing, Next, Stand-Up Comedy, Harrowing

I personally have a background of many days on end of confusion, understimulation, overstimulation, and uncomfortableness with the world around me.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

World, Around, Many, Confusion

I told my agents that I didn't want to go on the audition. But as that was happening I called my mom, who has been watching the show from the beginning, and my mom said, 'It's the coolest show. You have to go.'

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Beginning, Audition, Been, Coolest

I hadn't even watched '24' before, and the audition was kind of far away. When I got the material, there wasn't a character yet, so it almost seemed like an assistant to Jack Bauer saying, 'Yes, sir. No, sir.'

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Away, Before, Almost, Jack

'24' is not an anti-government show, really. We've always relied on Jack to fight for the greater good in his own way, and at times, '24' is very patriotic. For me personally, I definitely pay attention to things in a different way.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Own, Very, Patriotic, Jack

'24' is a pretty serious show - there isn't a lot of improv that is happening. Having said that, I do play around with the delivery. A lot of the humor comes from playing a character who is very furious and really up in her own brain and in a serious situation. That is humorous to me.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Play, Own, Very, Humorous

My stand-up has always been very character-based. I'm not really the kind of person that's like, 'Hey, here's what's on my mind! Tip your waitress!' I would create the jokes based on the character I was playing. It was always a performance-based thing for me.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Here, Been, Very, Hey

I need to see where I am physically and practicing with NHL players is the best way to find that out.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Need, Practicing, Best Way, NHL

I read a fan bulletin board once, and somebody said I had a face like a potato, so I never went back on there.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Back, Like, Read, Board

I went to art school for fine art and then I started doing performance art, and then I started making fun of performance art, and it turned into comedy.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Art, Doing, Making, Art School

I had fun doing a lot of low-budget movies and web series. And I got back into stand-up where I started.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Doing, Back, Had, Low-Budget

It always surprised me that I was getting acting work.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Work, Always, Getting, Surprised

The more I get to do this character, the more I realize that she's not just annoying. It's that her strength is not interacting with people socially. She just doesn't have time because she has so much going on in her brain.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Strength, Going, Socially, Annoying

I have to paint at least two times a week, and there's not enough time in the day to do everything.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Week, Times, Least, Enough Time

To really be on stage and not know what you're going to say, and to be able to say something that makes people laugh, or do something that's sort of abstract or off the beaten path and have people connect to it by just putting your ideas together, that really makes me happy.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Happy, Your, Putting, Abstract

I've been a weirdo since I was a kid.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Kid, Been, Since, Weirdo

I'm not married and I don't think that's going to work out for me. I'm not even bitter, I'm just exhausted.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Work, Think, Going, Work Out

I got into acting to avoid politics of any sort so I could remain in a fantasy world.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Politics, Fantasy, Could, Avoid

I like America. I think it's pretty cool. I got into acting to avoid politics of any sort so I could remain in a fantasy world.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Politics, Think, Pretty, Avoid

The really cool challenge of '24' was learning on camera how to be a dramatic actress. The biggest difficulty was the industry side of things. I was very lucky that I had Joel Surnow, one of the creators of '24,' in my corner. Early on, the Fox executives couldn't believe that I was on the show.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Lucky, Creators, Very, Difficulty

Chloe is really just like an exaggerated aspect of myself.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Myself, Like, Aspect, Exaggerated

When you go to auditions, pretend you already have the job and you're just presenting - almost like you're at the table read. Don't go in with an air of, 'Please like me,' or, 'Please hire me.' You're like, 'Here's my take on it. Take it or leave it. I've got a lot of other things to do today.'

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Here, Other, Auditions, Presenting

I always love performing live, and that's what I was doing that started getting me acting parts, so I still find time do it.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Love, Doing, Always, Performing

I don't like magic.

- Mary Lynn Rajskub

Like, Magic

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.