Miguel Ferrer Quotes

Powerful Miguel Ferrer for Daily Growth

About Miguel Ferrer

Miguel Ferrer, an accomplished actor and voice artist, was born on January 7, 1955, in Santa Monica, California. The son of the famous director, Roberto Ferrer, and the actress, Rosemary Rowe, he grew up surrounded by Hollywood. His diverse heritage - his father was Cuban-American and his mother was English - would later influence his versatility in portraying various ethnicities on screen. Ferrer began his acting career in 1974 with a minor role in the film "The Longest Yard." However, it was his portrayal of Dr. Garrett Macy in the television series "Crossing Jordan" (2001-2007) that brought him widespread recognition. His distinctive voice also found success in voice acting, particularly as the voice of ALF (Advanced Life Form) in the animated series of the same name and Alex Drake's father, Jerry Tyson, in "Castle." Influenced by his parents' artistic passion, Ferrer showed an early interest in acting. He studied at Northwestern University before dropping out to pursue a career in music. However, he soon returned to acting, starring in several off-Broadway productions. His talent was undeniable, leading him to work with renowned directors such as David Lynch, Ridley Scott, and Steven Spielberg. Miguel Ferrer's life was cut short when he passed away on January 19, 2017, from throat cancer at the age of 61. Despite his untimely death, his impact on the entertainment industry remains significant. His ability to transition seamlessly between film, television, and voice acting makes him a unique figure in Hollywood's history.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life's too short for long faces."

This quote, by Miguel Ferrer, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook in life, as it is too valuable to be wasted on sadness or negativity. It encourages us to find joy and happiness, even in difficult times, and to remember that the briefness of our lives should motivate us to live them fully and with a smile.


"I don't know who needs to hear this but it's okay if you're not perfect at something. You can learn and grow from every experience."

Miguel Ferrer's quote emphasizes that it's alright not to be perfect when learning or attempting something new, as growth and improvement are often born from experiences, particularly those that challenge us. This message encourages individuals to embrace their imperfections and view them as opportunities for development rather than sources of self-doubt or inadequacy. It is a reminder that the process of learning and personal growth is inherently messy, but ultimately leads to progress and self-discovery if approached with an open mind and resilient spirit.


"The universe does not reward mediocrity."

This quote by Miguel Ferrer implies that complacency or settling for average performance will not bring significant rewards or success in life. The universe, in this context, symbolizes the vastness of opportunities, challenges, and experiences that the world offers. To reap its benefits and achieve one's goals, one must strive for excellence, go beyond mediocrity, and consistently work hard to improve themselves and their contributions to society. In other words, putting in effort to excel is a prerequisite for success and fulfillment in life.


"If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning."

This quote suggests that individuals should strive to set a positive example for others through their actions, but if one cannot do so, they must at least serve as a clear warning or lesson against undesirable behavior. It implies that everyone has a responsibility to influence those around them in a positive manner, and when that is not possible, it's crucial to learn from past mistakes to avoid repeating them.


"I don't think I'm going to do it again. This might be it for me. And if this is it for me, it was an interesting ride." - Last words spoken on set during the filming of Crossing Jordan.

Miguel Ferrer, through his last words during the filming of Crossing Jordan, expressed a sense of closure and satisfaction with his life's work. He acknowledged that this might be the end of his acting career, indicating exhaustion or a decision to retire. However, he also conveyed gratitude for the experiences and opportunities he had encountered in his profession, encapsulating his journey with a touch of wisdom and acceptance. In essence, Ferrer expressed a peaceful resignation, reflecting on a life well-lived and an interesting ride that came to an end.


I was drawn to it much to my father's dismay. He wanted me to be a pianist like he was, but I had coarser tastes - like that old joke: What do you call a guy who hangs around with musicians? A drummer.

- Miguel Ferrer

Father, Old, Like, Tastes

I think villainy just comes naturally to me. I get to work it out naturally so I can be a nice person in life.

- Miguel Ferrer

Work, Think, I Think, Villainy

If your attention is on superfluous aspects that are not part of the story, then you can't be concentrating on the human realities of the piece.

- Miguel Ferrer

Part, Concentrating, Aspects, Superfluous

People sorta know my face, but I can still go out to the supermarket, and nobody pays much attention.

- Miguel Ferrer

People, Go, Still, Much Attention

'Traffic' was so good, and I really don't want to take a step back.

- Miguel Ferrer

Want, Back, Take, Traffic

'The Stand' was great. Adapted by Stephen King from his massive book.

- Miguel Ferrer

King, His, Massive, Adapted

I'm not one of those people who writes a biography or tries to figure out what kind of ice cream the character liked when he was 10.

- Miguel Ferrer

Kind, Tries, Figure, Writes

Big Stephen King fan. I think he's dismissed often as a hack probably because of his prolific body of work, but he's anything but. I think he's a terrific writer. And not just a genre writer; he really approaches a number of complexities in everything he writes. So I'm a huge fan.

- Miguel Ferrer

Big, I Think, Prolific, Writes

I think I was never home when I was directing, because you're either prepping, shooting, or editing, and then acting at the same time. It's really time-consuming, but it was great fun.

- Miguel Ferrer

Think, I Think, Same Time, Great Fun

My dad won an Oscar in 1951 with an un-Anglicized name, the first Hispanic to ever win an Oscar, and the Academy is so intractable to this day.

- Miguel Ferrer

Oscar, Dad, Intractable, Hispanic

If everything else falls apart and I'm broke, in 20 years I'll still be able to do 'Twin Peaks' conventions.

- Miguel Ferrer

Broke, Still, Twin Peaks, Conventions

I'm not really a guy who draws on things from my own past. I think if you're a competent actor with a good imagination, and if it's on the page, it makes your job a lot easier. If it's well written, it allows your imagination to run wild and draw inspiration from that.

- Miguel Ferrer

Own, Guy, I Think, Draws

My boys have both said they want to be in the movies or on TV, and anytime I hear that, I say, 'That's wonderful; you're free to do it right after you graduate from college.'

- Miguel Ferrer

College, Want, TV, Graduate

I made an enjoyable living as a very young man, but I think as I became more comfortable and knowledgeable about myself and what I wanted, I moved into acting.

- Miguel Ferrer

Think, Very, Became, Knowledgeable

I was a musician and did moderately well at that. I made an enjoyable living as a very young man, but I think as I became more comfortable and knowledgeable about myself and what I wanted, I moved into acting. I came to it rather late - later than most. I just really wanted to try my hand, and thankfully, it worked out for the most part.

- Miguel Ferrer

Very, Moderately, Became, Knowledgeable

My favorite place in the whole world is Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

- Miguel Ferrer

World, Hole, Jackson, Wyoming

In most cases, I think most executive producers and studio executives really do their best to accommodate you. At least, that's been my experience in most cases.

- Miguel Ferrer

Think, Been, Studio, Accommodate

The first several years I was an actor, I sort of eked out a living playing thugs almost exclusively until 'Robocop.'

- Miguel Ferrer

Living, Almost, Several, Thugs

I think my parents undoubtedly influenced me on some level.

- Miguel Ferrer

Think, Some, I Think, Undoubtedly

We were given clear concrete tools. The course did a great job demystifying the art of fiction writing and fostering confidence. The instructor brought complex concepts down to earth. I will miss coming here every week.

- Miguel Ferrer

Here, Concrete, Brought, Instructor

I've been so fortunate in that people respond to what I do.

- Miguel Ferrer

People, Fortunate, Been, Respond

My mother was loved by so many people, famous and not so famous.

- Miguel Ferrer

Mother, Loved, Famous, So Many People

I think if you're a competent actor with a good imagination, and if it's on the page, it makes your job a lot easier.

- Miguel Ferrer

Think, I Think, Makes, Competent

I've played the drums for so long, I can't imagine saying goodbye to it.

- Miguel Ferrer

Saying Goodbye, Imagine, Saying

I was a musician for years before I started doing this stuff. Show business was the only thing I ever considered.

- Miguel Ferrer

Business, Doing, Before, Musician

I thought 'ER' was a really good script, but I didn't have any inkling that it would become the phenomenon that it did, and I don't think anybody did back then.

- Miguel Ferrer

Thought, Think, Anybody, Script

I didn't sing, but I did play the drums.

- Miguel Ferrer

Play, Sing, Did, Drums

First and foremost, it's got to be on the page. It starts with the writing.

- Miguel Ferrer

Writing, Page, Starts, Foremost

'RoboCop' was maybe the best summer of my entire life.

- Miguel Ferrer

Best, Maybe, Entire, Summer

I don't know what it is that I do, but when I play a really bad guy, I'm able to bring some level of likability to it.

- Miguel Ferrer

Play, Bad, Some, Bad Guy

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