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Ruth Gordon Quotes

Powerful Ruth Gordon for Daily Growth

About Ruth Gordon

Ruth Gordon (October 31, 1896 – August 28, 1985) was an American actress, playwright, and screenwriter, renowned for her versatile talent and contributions to both stage and screen. Born in Quincy, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Russian Jewish immigrants who ran a small candy store. Gordon's passion for acting ignited at an early age when she performed in school plays. She attended the University of Chicago but dropped out before graduation to pursue her dreams in New York City. There, she honed her craft on the city's bustling stage, eventually joining the Group Theatre, a collective known for its socially conscious productions. Her writing career began when she co-wrote and starred in the play "Family Portrait" (1936), which was produced by the Group Theatre. This marked the start of a prolific period as a playwright, with works like "The Swan" (1940) and "The Wisdom of Helen Trent" (1955). Transitioning to films in the 1950s, Gordon's acting talent was recognized by legendary director Alfred Hitchcock, who cast her in the thriller "Strangers on a Train" (1951). She gained further acclaim for her roles in films such as "The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell" (1955) and "Auntie Mame" (1958), for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. In the 1960s, Gordon returned to writing, collaborating with Garson Kanin on hit comedies like "The Tender Trap" (1955) and "Advise & Consent" (1962). Her most successful work as a screenwriter was the classic comedy "Rosemary's Baby" (1968), for which she won an Academy Award. Throughout her career, Ruth Gordon was celebrated for her unique blend of humor, vulnerability, and intelligence in both acting and writing. She was posthumously inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2003.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality."

This quote by Ruth Gordon encourages us to embrace change rather than resisting it, as resistance often leads to unnecessary suffering. Instead, we should flow with the natural ebb and flow of life's events, accepting each moment as it comes without attachment to a specific outcome. By doing so, we can find inner peace and joy in our journey through life.

"The best thing to do with the things in your life you don't like is to change them."

This quote by Ruth Gordon emphasizes the power of personal agency and the importance of proactivity in one's own life. It suggests that if there are aspects or situations in our lives that we dislike, rather than passively accepting them, we should strive to change them. This could involve making small adjustments, seeking help or advice, or even taking bold steps to completely transform a situation. Essentially, the quote encourages us to be active participants in shaping our own experiences and not to merely endure what we don't like.

"I was a late bloomer, but I finally figured out that I could use my talent as an actress and write."

The quote by Ruth Gordon signifies that she had a delayed start in her career or personal development, but eventually recognized and leveraged her unique talents – in this case, acting and writing. It underscores the importance of patience and self-discovery, encouraging individuals to find their strengths and make use of them to achieve success in life.

"You mustn't ever play anything for laughs; it kills it. You have to let the character develop naturally, and the funny will come out."

This quote suggests that authenticity is crucial in creating humor in a performance or character. If one attempts to force humor through exaggerated or contrived actions (playing something for laughs), it can diminish the natural development of the character, thus undermining the humor's effectiveness. Instead, by allowing the character to evolve naturally, the inherent humor will organically emerge, resulting in a more impactful and convincing portrayal.

"I have always been a loner, even when surrounded by people. I like to be alone. It doesn't mean I don't like to be with other people. But I love my own company."

This quote suggests that the individual, Ruth Gordon, finds comfort in solitude even when surrounded by others. She cherishes her own company but also appreciates social interactions, indicating an independent yet sociable nature. It implies a balance between introspection and connection with others, valuing both aspects of personal and interpersonal life.

Pan me, don't give me the part, publish everybody's book but this one and I will still make it!

- Ruth Gordon

Give, Everybody, Still, Pan

So easy to fall into a rut, isn't it? Why should ruts be so comfortable and so unpopular?

- Ruth Gordon

Fall, Comfortable, Rut, Unpopular

Nothing dates one so dreadfully as to think someplace is uptown. At our age one must be watchful of these conversational gray hairs.

- Ruth Gordon

Think, Nothing, Dates, Conversational

Never give up. And never, under any circumstances, face the facts.

- Ruth Gordon

Never, Circumstances, Give, Any Circumstances

Discussing how old you are is the temple of boredom.

- Ruth Gordon

Boredom, How, Discussing, Temple

The very best impromptu speeches are the ones written well in advance.

- Ruth Gordon

Speeches, Well, Very, Impromptu

Courage is very important. Like a muscle, it is strengthened by use.

- Ruth Gordon

Important, Like, Very, Muscle

If I don't make it today, I'll come in tomorrow.

- Ruth Gordon

Today, Come, Make, Tomorrow

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