Robert Forster Quotes

Powerful Robert Forster for Daily Growth

About Robert Forster

Robert Fordyce Forster (1944-2019) was an Australian actor, screenwriter, and film director, known for his versatile performances in various genres of cinema. Born on July 13, 1944, in hollywood, Melbourne, Australia, he began his acting career as a child, appearing in advertisements and television shows. Forster's breakthrough role came in the groundbreaking Australian drama "Sunday Too Far Away" (1975), which earned him an Australian Film Institute (AFI) Award for Best Actor. This performance marked the beginning of a successful career, spanning over five decades and numerous iconic roles in films such as "Phar Lap" (1983), "The Road Warrior" (1981), and "Mulholland Drive" (2001). Forster's versatility was evident in his ability to play both leading and supporting characters. He was particularly known for his portrayals of law enforcement officials, including the police chief in "Meet Joe Black" (1998) and Detective Philip Jenko in the TV series "Breaking Bad" (2008-2013), earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. In addition to acting, Forster also wrote and directed films, including "The Last Wave" (1977), which he both wrote and starred in. This film, with its themes of indigenous rights and spirituality, reflected Forster's personal interests and was a testament to his dedication to storytelling. Forster's influence on Australian cinema was significant, and he continued to act until his death on April 8, 2019, from blood cancer. His legacy lives on in the numerous characters he brought to life and the stories he helped create. His quote, "Acting is not about being someone different. It's finding the similarity in what is apparently different," encapsulates his approach to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences through his relatable performances.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The secret of a happy life is contempt for adversity."

This quote suggests that embracing an attitude of indifference or disregard towards adversities can contribute to a fulfilling life. In other words, instead of dwelling on hardships or challenges, one should maintain a positive outlook and focus on the good aspects of their existence. By not allowing adversity to control emotions or thoughts, one can find joy and contentment even in difficult circumstances. Essentially, Robert Forster's quote encourages resilience and mental fortitude in facing life's challenges.


"Acting is not about being someone different. It's finding the similarity in what is apparently dissimilar."

Robert Forster's quote emphasizes that the essence of acting lies not in transforming oneself into a character that is fundamentally different, but rather in recognizing and portraying the shared human qualities or experiences across diverse characters. This perspective suggests that despite apparent differences in appearance, background, or personality, every individual shares some universal traits. Actors use this understanding to connect with their roles authentically, making their performances relatable and compelling.


"You don't need to be liked, but you do need to be respected."

This quote by Robert Forster emphasizes the difference between being liked (popularity) and being respected (recognition for character, integrity, and competence). While it's pleasant to be liked, it is more crucial to be respected because respect is based on one's worth, values, and achievements rather than personal appeal. Being respected is a mark of honor and esteem that carries weight and influence in the long run.


"The greater the artist, the greater the doubt. Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize."

This quote by Robert Forster suggests that exceptional artists, those with great talent, often grapple with self-doubt due to their heightened awareness of their own capabilities and the expectations placed upon them. In contrast, those with lesser skills may be granted a false sense of confidence as they have fewer demands on their abilities. The quote emphasizes the paradoxical nature of artistic excellence - that it is both a blessing and a burden, characterized by both extraordinary talent and intense self-questioning.


"If you can fake sincerity, you've got it made."

The quote "If you can fake sincerity, you've got it made" implies that if one can convincingly portray sincerity or authenticity, regardless of whether they genuinely feel it, they will be successful. This suggests a critique of superficiality and insincerity in society, where appearances may matter more than actual feelings or intentions. It also underscores the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence, as being able to understand and mimic sincere emotions can help build trust and connections with others. However, it's essential to remember that true success comes from being authentic rather than merely pretending to be so, as genuine relationships are built on mutual respect and understanding.


I do try to be resentful, I really do, but I just can't bring myself to do it.

- Robert Forster

Myself, Try, Bring, Resentful

Every shot is unique, even if it's just a close-up, an insert of your hand. You've got to work with the guy behind the lens to get it right, focus in. Those are critical little nothing things, but you've got to work with the people who are trying to put it down, in order to get it.

- Robert Forster

Behind, Critical, Insert, Lens

I decided I would open this little actors' workshop I always told actors to look for. That gave me something to do on Wednesday nights, and after about a year of that, I realized that some of the things I was saying to actors probably had broader application. I ran into a magazine called 'Speakers For Free.'

- Robert Forster

Year, Some, About, Wednesday

Well, normally we don't think all that hard about titles.

- Robert Forster

Think, Well, About, Normally

The job is trying to create movie shots that have depth, that have the meanings you need them to have, and then good enough so that they will add something to the final picture. They will make the picture; they'll get into the picture, and give them what they need. It's an interesting job.

- Robert Forster

Good, Movie, Get, Meanings

First time I ever played a bad guy. I didn't want to do it. I got stuck in bad guys for 13 years after that.

- Robert Forster

Want, Bad, Bad Guy, Stuck

I never have that 'we were robbed' feeling when looking around now at where some of our contemporaries are.

- Robert Forster

Feeling, Some, Around, Robbed

You've got to internalize the character. You've got to learn the words. These are separate things, but they work together.

- Robert Forster

Work, Learn, Separate, Work Together

I liked Jim Carrey from the very beginning.

- Robert Forster

Beginning, Very, Jim Carrey, Jim

If you deliver excellence right now, that gives you the best shot at the best future you've got coming.

- Robert Forster

Future, Excellence, Now, Gives

If you're holding onto negative stuff from before, you cannot deliver excellence.

- Robert Forster

Negative, Before, Holding, Onto

It's what you do every time. You isolate what you know, and you create a mental image of what you're doing. Every time you speak you don't have to think about it. Words come out of your mouth based on what you know. That's the same job every time.

- Robert Forster

Doing, Mental, About, Mouth

If you're willing to do it as good as you're willing to think up to do it, that's what your mind is there for, and you deliver excellence right now, now being the only moment you can control or do anything with or be creative with.

- Robert Forster

Excellence, Mind, Think, Deliver

You can win it in the late innings if you never quit.

- Robert Forster

Late, Never, Never Quit, Quit

Well, you know what? The actor still gets up in the morning, if he's still got something to work with, you go out there and you do it. Never quit!

- Robert Forster

Work, Never Quit, Still, Quit

Mmm, well that whole thing about having to look tough has never left Australia.

- Robert Forster

Never, Left, Having, Australia

I had four children, we all had to struggle to get up and get educated, and they all did their part, and we all did the best we could, and that's what a family and a parent is supposed to do.

- Robert Forster

Parent, Could, Part, Educated

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