Red Skelton Quotes

Powerful Red Skelton for Daily Growth

About Red Skelton

Richard Bernard 'Red' Skelton (July 18, 1913 – September 17, 1997) was a renowned American comedian, actor, and writer, best known for his wit, charm, and versatility in various forms of entertainment. Born in Vincennes, Indiana, Skelton grew up in a humble environment, where he developed a love for performing through his family's encouragement. His career began in earnest during the 1930s when he started performing at local vaudeville shows and on radio programs. In 1941, he joined CBS Radio's 'Fred Waring Show,' which led to a successful stint on television with 'The Red Skelton Show' (1951-1971). The show featured many beloved characters like Freddie the Freeloader, Clem Kadiddlehopper, and Gertrude Crump. Skelton's humor was known for its mix of slapstick comedy, one-liners, and heartfelt moments. His characters often reflected aspects of American life during his time, making him a beloved figure among audiences. One of his most famous routines, "The Pinto Family," featured a dysfunctional family that mirrored the societal changes in post-war America. Off-screen, Skelton was deeply committed to charitable work and was an advocate for adoption, having been adopted himself. He also championed environmental causes. Despite personal struggles with alcoholism and health issues, he continued to perform until his retirement in 1971. Red Skelton's influence on American comedy is immeasurable, with many contemporary comedians citing him as a significant inspiration. His quotes, such as "I wouldn't pay for this if I didn't like it," continue to resonate, reflecting his unique blend of humor and humanity.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint on it you can."

The Red Skelton quote, "Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint on it you can," suggests an exhilarating approach to living life fully and unrestrainedly. This implies embracing every opportunity, expressing oneself freely, and participating actively in experiences without fear of failure or judgment. In essence, it encourages us to make the most out of our lives, to express ourselves boldly, and to experience a multitude of emotions just as an artist would with their canvas and paint.


"I wouldn't say I'm a born entertainer, but I was born and I entertain."

Red Skelton acknowledges that he did not inherently possess the innate quality of being an entertainer at birth, rather, he became one through his existence. This quote highlights his belief in developing talents and skills over time as a result of living and experiencing life. Essentially, he was born as an ordinary individual, but with the passage of time, he chose to use his abilities to bring joy, laughter, and entertainment to others.


"Laughter is humor paired with a little pain."

Red Skelton's quote suggests that laughter, a universal expression of joy, is often accompanied by a hint of discomfort or emotion related to struggle, adversity, or relatability - the "little pain" that resonates with us when we find something amusing. In other words, laughter is the balancing act between finding humor in life's challenges and overcoming them, making it both enjoyable and meaningful.


"I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific."

This quote suggests a yearning for significance or recognition in life, but also acknowledges that being "somebody" is a vague goal without clear parameters. The speaker regrets not setting more specific or attainable ambitions to guide their life's journey towards personal fulfillment.


"In this great country of ours, America, everyone has a chance to run for office. I plan on running for the job I'm qualified for: Dunder Mifflin Paper Company."

This quote by Red Skelton humorously expresses a desire to seek public office in America, specifically within the fictional company "Dunder Mifflin Paper Company" from the TV show "The Office," rather than a political office. It highlights his perceived qualifications for that role and suggests a lighthearted view on the accessibility of political positions in American society.


No matter what your heartache may be, laughing helps you forget it for a few seconds.

- Red Skelton

Forget, May, Few, Seconds

Any kid will run any errand for you, if you ask at bedtime.

- Red Skelton

Parenting, Kid, Will, Errand

Live by this credo: have a little laugh at life and look around you for happiness instead of sadness. Laughter has always brought me out of unhappy situations.

- Red Skelton

Sad, Always, Brought, Laugh

If by chance some day you're not feeling well and you should remember some silly thing I've said or done and it brings back a smile to your face or a chuckle to your heart, then my purpose as your clown has been fulfilled.

- Red Skelton

Purpose, Some, Been, Chuckle

I'm nuts and I know it. But so long as I make 'em laugh, they ain't going to lock me up.

- Red Skelton

Long, Nuts, Going, Laugh

Our principles are the springs of our actions. Our actions, the springs of our happiness or misery. Too much care, therefore, cannot be taken in forming our principles.

- Red Skelton

Misery, Springs, Forming, Care

All men make mistakes, but married men find out about them sooner.

- Red Skelton

Marriage, Find, Sooner, Married Men

Exercise? I get it on the golf course. When I see my friends collapse, I run for the paramedics.

- Red Skelton

Exercise, Run, I See, Collapse

I personally believe we were put here to build and not to destroy.

- Red Skelton

Build, Here, Personally, Destroy

I left home because I was hungry.

- Red Skelton

Home, Because, Left, Hungry

Congress: Bingo with billions.

- Red Skelton

Congress, Bingo, Billions

His death was the first time that Ed Wynn ever made anyone sad.

- Red Skelton

Death, Ever, His, First Time

God's children and their happiness are my reasons for being.

- Red Skelton

Happiness, Children, Being, Reasons

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.