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Mary Mcdonnell Quotes

Powerful Mary Mcdonnell for Daily Growth

About Mary Mcdonnell

Mary McDonough, born on October 8, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, is an acclaimed American actress, singer, author, and activist, best known for her role as Erin Walton in the long-running CBS series "The Waltons." Raised in a showbiz family, McDonough's journey into the entertainment industry began at an early age. Her parents, William McDonough, a former child actor turned director, and Maxine Sneed, a singer and actress, provided her with a solid foundation in performing arts. McDonough debuted on television at the age of nine, landing the role of Erin Walton on "The Waltons," a role she played from 1972 to 1981. Her portrayal earned her three Young Artist Awards and a Golden Globe Award nomination. The series, set during the Great Depression, was a critical and commercial success, becoming a cultural touchstone of American television. Post-"The Waltons," McDonough continued acting, appearing in various films and TV shows, including "Maude," "MacGyver," and "Star Trek: Voyager." However, her love for activism often took precedence over her acting career. In the 1980s, she emerged as a prominent figure in the anti-nuclear movement, using her celebrity status to raise awareness about nuclear disarmament. In 2004, McDonough published her memoir "The Last Girl on Earth: A Memoir Between Fathers and Daughters," detailing her lifelong struggle with her father's mental illness and eventual recovery. The book was well-received, offering a poignant insight into the complexities of family dynamics. Today, McDonough continues to act while also advocating for environmental and social justice causes. Her resilience, dedication, and commitment to her craft and activism make her a significant figure in both entertainment and social change.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I have learned to use the words 'I am' with caution, as 'I am' becomes 'I was' becomes 'I will be,' and that is not the nature of being."

This quote suggests that the statement "I am" can be misleading because it implies a permanent state or identity. The speaker has learned that the reality is more fluid, as what we are today may change to something different tomorrow ("I was"), and our future identity is not yet defined ("I will be"). Instead, she advises caution in using such statements, emphasizing the nature of being is more about constant growth, change, and evolution rather than a fixed state.

"We are all connected in this great cosmic dance. We must learn to respect each other, and cherish our differences, for they make life interesting."

This quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and beings in the universe, suggesting a harmonious and dance-like relationship among them. It calls for understanding, respect, and appreciation of diversity, as it enriches our collective experience and adds complexity to the fabric of life. In essence, it encourages empathy, tolerance, and unity amidst differences.

"The thing that's really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself."

This quote emphasizes the challenge and wonder in letting go of the pursuit for perfection and instead embarking on the journey of self-discovery to become an authentic individual. It suggests that striving for perfection, which is often unattainable or detrimental, can hinder personal growth and authenticity. Instead, embracing one's flaws and idiosyncrasies, as well as taking steps towards understanding oneself, enables individuals to live genuinely and fulfilling lives.

"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."

This quote emphasizes the idea that we cannot undo our past mistakes or experiences, but we do have the power to shape our future. By acknowledging our current situation, we can take steps towards making positive changes and creating a different outcome for ourselves moving forward. It encourages resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of growth and improvement, regardless of where we started in life.

"Fear can be a great teacher, or it can be a paralyzing prison. The choice is ours."

This quote by Mary McDonnell highlights the dual nature of fear. On one hand, fear can serve as a powerful learning tool, guiding us to avoid potential dangers or mistakes. However, when allowed to control us, fear can become debilitating and confine us in a "paralyzing prison," preventing growth and progress. The message encourages individuals to make a conscious effort in using fear constructively rather than letting it hinder them.

Well, I don't know what Ron has in mind, but I do know about the arc of the show. Looking at how intuitive and instinctive Eddie and I play, that is the sort of thing that leads into sexual chemistry. I wouldn't be surprised if it emerged.

- Mary McDonnell

Mind, Play, Chemistry, Surprised

Ron allowed us to see right away the private piece of a person about to become very public. I suspect we're going to see more of her very private world - Laura's private experience. I'm not sure yet how public she's going to be about the actions she's going to have to take.

- Mary McDonnell

Away, Private, Very, Laura

Actors are part of a certain percentage of people on this planet who have an emotional vocabulary as a primary experience. It's as if their life is experienced emotionally and then that is translated intellectually or conceptually into the performance.

- Mary McDonnell

Experience, Part, Translated, Primary

That moment was very important because it was political. That's what has to be done, so they struck a deal. She figures his is a well-thought-out motivation that she felt was worthy trade-off. The motivation here is survival, and she has to think like a leader.

- Mary McDonnell

Think, Here, Very, Struck

With BSG, sci-fi is the human experience taken beyond the envelope. When I first became involved with the project, I knew that I would be able to play a human being for many years, exploring and reflecting on issues that would impact people's lives.

- Mary McDonnell

Project, Play, Became, Envelope

We have to get back to the beauty of just being alive in this present moment.

- Mary McDonnell

Beauty, Alive, Get, Present Moment

The Cylons are such a frightening concept - not knowing who is real. No way.

- Mary McDonnell

Knowing, Concept, Not Knowing

I do think that it's extremely important with this character show her assuming power with a great deal of grace, and find out how to do things she won't like - the things she's called upon to do.

- Mary McDonnell

Think, Deal, Like, Assuming

It's phenomenally important to me that, if I'm going to be spending years on a project, I need to be interested in the whole thing. I'm not there to be on my own. And if I'm going to be with these people, I'd best be interested in their work.

- Mary McDonnell

Need, My Own, Going, Phenomenally

We never know all the facts and the more we're mindful of how we deal with people, the more opportunity we have to evolve.

- Mary McDonnell

Opportunity, More, Deal, All The Facts

I love the idea of a woman being able to discover the idea of power this way, on such a scale. And I don't know about that, what it means - well, I guess I'd better, or my part's in trouble.

- Mary McDonnell

Love, Discover, Means, Scale

I love to work. I love to have complexity.

- Mary McDonnell

Love, Work, I Love, Complexity

It's really important for actors to feel that they're more than something for hire.

- Mary McDonnell

Important, More, Than, Hire

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