Nell Carter Quotes

Powerful Nell Carter for Daily Growth

About Nell Carter

Nell Carter was a versatile American actress, singer, and dancer, renowned for her powerful voice and expressive stage presence. Born on November 11, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, Carter developed a love for performing at an early age, honing her talents in local talent shows and church choirs. Carter's professional journey began in the 1970s when she joined the cast of the Broadway musical 'Ain't Misbehavin', earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. This role brought her national recognition, leading to appearances on popular TV shows such as 'The Muppet Show', 'Mork & Mindy', and 'Fantasy Island'. In 1982, Carter landed the role of 'Rachel Maroon' in the sitcom 'Gimme a Break!', for which she won two Golden Globe Awards. The character was unique as it was one of the few African-American leads on network television at that time. The show ran for six seasons and cemented Carter's place in American pop culture. Music remained a significant part of Carter's career, with her debut album 'Nell Carter' reaching the Billboard 200 chart in 1983. Her most famous song, 'I'm Still Here', became an anthem for overcoming adversity and resilience. Carter faced numerous personal challenges throughout her life, including battling drug addiction and losing over 200 pounds through weight-loss surgery. Despite these struggles, she continued to perform and inspire others until her untimely death on September 14, 2003, from a heart attack at the age of 54. Nell Carter's life and work continue to resonate, with her powerful performances and spirit serving as an inspiration for generations of artists. Her legacy remains alive in the hearts of fans and through her impactful roles on stage and screen.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."

This quote emphasizes the importance of adaptability in the face of life's challenges. Just as a sailor cannot control the wind, we cannot change certain circumstances in our lives. However, we have the power to modify our actions, attitudes, or strategies (adjusting our "sails") to reach our desired goals despite external factors. It encourages resilience and self-determination, reminding us that while we can't control everything, we can always find a way to move forward towards our destination.


"Don't ever let somebody tell you that you can't do something. Not even me."

This quote emphasizes self-empowerment and encourages individuals to pursue their aspirations fearlessly, regardless of any limitations or doubts others may impose. It highlights the importance of believing in one's own abilities and potential, even when faced with adversity or skepticism from others. The speaker, Nell Carter, is conveying a message that challenges self-doubt and encourages personal growth and resilience.


"You are never too old to chase your dreams."

This quote by Nell Carter emphasizes that age should not be a barrier or deterrent in pursuing one's dreams and aspirations. It encourages individuals, regardless of their current age, to continue chasing their passions and goals, as it is never too late to achieve what you desire.


"If you can see it in your mind, you can hold it in your hand."

This quote emphasizes the power of visualization as a tool for achieving one's goals or aspirations. In other words, if we can clearly imagine something (in our minds), we have the potential to bring it into reality (hold it in our hands). It suggests that mental imagery plays a crucial role in manifesting our desires and realizing our dreams.


"I don't want to be just a little bit pregnant with my dreams; I want to be all the way pregnant."

This quote suggests that the speaker, Nell Carter, is expressing a strong commitment and determination towards her dreams or goals. She does not want to merely dabble in them or have a small, tentative step towards achieving them. Instead, she wants to fully invest herself, putting all of her effort and passion into realizing those dreams, just as one becomes completely pregnant when expecting a child. This level of commitment implies the expectation of significant growth, transformation, and fulfillment from this undertaking.


Of all the unhappiness I went through, you must know I wouldn't live a moment of my life differently for what I have now. Would I do it all again? I wouldn't want to, but if it got me to the same place, yeah, I'd do it. Because I realize now that God would not give more than I could handle.

- Nell Carter

My Life, Through, Yeah, Unhappiness

No one teaches you how to be graceful.

- Nell Carter

You, How, Teaches, Graceful

I searched for answers to life's meaning and, though I was raised a Presbyterian, I converted to Judaism around 1983.

- Nell Carter

Answers, Raised, Though, Converted

Oh, I miss the excitement and immediacy of Broadway and the theaters.

- Nell Carter

Broadway, Oh, Immediacy, Theaters

I was a weirdo to want to be in show business. Most kids wanted to be teachers or nurses.

- Nell Carter

Business, Most, Weirdo, Nurses

Being diabetic was not what I thought of as being normal, and I feared the stigma of having to take medicine and having people stick me with a needle.

- Nell Carter

Normal, Stigma, Having, Diabetic

I'm not very kind about marriage. I will never get married again.

- Nell Carter

Never, Will, Very, Get Married

'Gimme a Break' ran for six years and gave me the kind of money and freedom that I'd dreamed would make me happy. It didn't.

- Nell Carter

Kind, Break, Six, Ran

When I first found out I had diabetes I denied it.

- Nell Carter

Diabetes, Found, Had, Denied

There's nothing worse than working with an orchestra who looks down on working with a conductor who doesn't want to conduct for you. You need to be with an orchestra that can follow you and respect you.

- Nell Carter

Want, Nothing, Need, Conductor

I had a pretty rough life. I got caught up in the star syndrome. It's not something I'm proud of, but it's something that I'm glad is over.

- Nell Carter

Pretty, Over, Caught, Syndrome

I've managed to completely reeducate myself into making eating secondary. I used to eat all the time because the food was there. Now I feel like a kid in school who is gaining points for behaving. And I love myself for it.

- Nell Carter

Love, Kid, Feel, Secondary

I think that anyone who denies their heritage doesn't deserve their destiny. My grandmother was a maid. She put nine children - eight of them - through college; I did not finish college.

- Nell Carter

College, Think, Through, Maid

I think music and laughter are the two things that can keep you alive. Someone who is really depressed, tell them a joke, and they may come out of it for even just a moment. Or play them something.

- Nell Carter

Play, Alive, I Think, Depressed

You have to put on more faces to pretend who you are.

- Nell Carter

You, More, Pretend, Faces

Most performers don't get a chance to sing in Los Angeles.

- Nell Carter

Most, Performers, Los, Los Angeles

One bad review can destroy me. It hurts so bad.

- Nell Carter

Me, Bad, Hurts, Review

I decided after my last divorce to marry myself.

- Nell Carter

Myself, Last, Decided, Divorce

I think when you're happy, emotions are right near the top - mine definitely are. I cry easily, I laugh easily, I lose my temper easily... and I beg for forgiveness easily.

- Nell Carter

Think, I Think, Mine, Near

For me, you can put on something by Bach, and I'll feel better.

- Nell Carter

Me, Better, Feel, Bach

I always look forward to getting back East. I miss the cold weather and the Jewish delis.

- Nell Carter

Forward, Back, Always, Miss

I have my own definition of God, but I believe God is whatever you want Him to be.

- Nell Carter

Want, Own, My Own, Definition

New York is a good city for not having to get fat.

- Nell Carter

New York, New, Having, Fat

I was never totally into marriage, and I wasn't a very good wife.

- Nell Carter

Marriage, Never, Very, Good Wife

I'm at my best when there's distance between me and a man.

- Nell Carter

Best, Man, Me, Distance

No matter what part of the business you want to be in, live performances are the most thrilling.

- Nell Carter

Business, Part, Most, Thrilling

It's exciting to sing in the place where you pay your taxes.

- Nell Carter

Sing, Pay, Exciting, Taxes

Rich means you have to stay there to maintain it.

- Nell Carter

Rich, You, Means, Maintain

Because I've always had a strong personality, I've always thought I knew what was best.

- Nell Carter

Strong, Personality, Always, Knew

If I'm with someone for too long, I begin feeling trapped.

- Nell Carter

Feeling, Someone, Too, Trapped

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.