Peter Cushing Quotes

Powerful Peter Cushing for Daily Growth

About Peter Cushing

Peter Wilton Cushing (1913-1994), an iconic British actor known for his memorable roles in horror films, was born on May 26, 1913, in Kenley, Surrey. Raised in a working-class family, Cushing developed a love for acting and storytelling from an early age, often performing for relatives and friends. After serving in the Royal Army Service Corps during World War II, Cushing resumed his acting career, initially finding success on stage with repertory theater companies. His big break came when he was cast as John Merrick (The Elephant Man) by the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in 1936. The performance led to a successful run in London's West End and a film adaptation in 1938. Cushing's career took an unexpected turn towards horror with his portrayal of Dr. Victor Frankenstein in Hammer Films' "The Newly-Dead" (1957). He went on to star in numerous Hammer productions as the scientist, alongside his frequent co-star Christopher Lee as Count Dracula. Some of their most notable collaborations include "Horror of Dracula" (1958), "The Curse of Frankenstein" (1957), and "Dracula: Prince of Darkness" (1966). Cushing's contributions to the horror genre extend beyond his roles as Dr. Frankenstein and Van Helsing. He appeared in various other notable films, including "Star Wars" (1977) as Grand Moff Tarkin and "Doctor Who" (1985) as the villainous Professor Chronotis. Throughout his career, Cushing's performances were marked by a deep commitment to character development and an uncanny ability to bring depth and complexity to even the most iconic horror figures. His impact on the genre endures, and he remains one of the most revered actors in the world of horror filmmaking. Peter Cushing passed away on August 11, 1994, leaving behind a lasting legacy as an exceptional actor and a pioneer in British horror cinema.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Fear is the main source of superstition in this world."

This quote suggests that fear, being a powerful emotion, often leads individuals to embrace superstitions. When faced with unfamiliar or seemingly dangerous situations, humans may resort to superstitions as a way to cope with their fears. By attributing events to supernatural forces or magical thinking, they can feel a sense of control and safety in the face of uncertainty. However, this reliance on superstition may hinder rational thought and limit our understanding of the world around us.


"It's not the monsters that I fear, but the folly of men."

This quote by Peter Cushing expresses a profound distrust in human behavior rather than supernatural entities. He suggests that humans, with their capacity for poor judgment and foolish actions, pose a greater threat to the world and humanity than any monsters or external dangers might. This interpretation calls attention to the importance of self-reflection, understanding, and responsible decision-making within society.


"I have no use for anything that has not got a head or legs."

This quote by Peter Cushing suggests a preference for entities, objects, or ideas that are self-contained, autonomous, or independent - those with their own identity or purpose, much like living organisms (which have heads and legs). In other words, he seems to favor things with clear definitions, functions, or roles, as opposed to abstract or amorphous concepts.


"The most terrible witches are those who practice their black arts in high places."

This quote by Peter Cushing suggests that the individuals who yield the greatest power, often residing in positions of influence or authority, can enact the most destructive forms of deception or wrongdoing. It implies a warning about the dangers posed by those who use their status to manipulate and harm others for personal gain, painting a picture of such figures as modern-day "witches" who cast a shadow over society with their malevolent practices.


"The best thing for being feared is to be first in the battle." (This quote is from Shakespeare's Henry V, but it was made famous by Peter Cushing in his portrayal of the character.)

This quote, attributed to Peter Cushing but originating from William Shakespeare's play Henry V, suggests that achieving a position of leadership or dominance is the most effective way to inspire fear. In other words, being first, assertive, or decisive in confrontations can make one appear strong and instill fear, rather than constantly projecting an image of fear to others. It implies that taking initiative and leading from the front is a powerful strategy for influencing others and gaining respect.


Today's youth cannot miss something they have never known, but I fear that there are no current fictional characters whose impact and influence will last with such abiding affection into their 'sore and yellow' as this splendid man's creations have in mine!

- Peter Cushing

Youth, Yellow, Splendid, Fictional

I didn't set out to make this kind of picture. It just came my way. But its been going on for me for 16 years now and its wonderful for an actor to work consistently. There seems to be an insatiable audience for this type of film.

- Peter Cushing

Years, Been, Type, Insatiable

I'm always glad to be offered roles, but wouldn't take any role as this could do you more harm than good, but I've been at what they call 'on the top' as far as being known for twenty years.

- Peter Cushing

Role, Been, Harm, Twenty

I hope this doesn't sound pompous but I don't think of myself as famous, whatever fame I've got has come through what I've done and associations of things I've done.

- Peter Cushing

Think, Through, Associations, Pompous

I don't think there is really a favorite, I'm very fond of film making as a whole and as a medium and of course, there are some that I've enjoyed making more than others but I've enjoyed making all of them.

- Peter Cushing

Think, Some, Very, Fond

There are all sorts of reasons why I don't do much work in the theatre, the main one being that after two performances I feel I've given all I can. I hate repetition, I really do. It's like asking a painter to paint he same picture every day of his life.

- Peter Cushing

Every Day, Asking, Reasons, Repetition

You see I don't like to be really too commercial about things but in this business you've just got to be commercial otherwise the films don't make money and you don't make films and as a long as a commodity is selling it's silly to kill it dead.

- Peter Cushing

Commercial, About, Commodity, Silly

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