Sally Kirkland Quotes

Powerful Sally Kirkland for Daily Growth

About Sally Kirkland

Sally Kirkland, born on November 30, 1946, in the bustling city of New York, is an esteemed American actress, writer, and director who has graced both stage and screen with her versatile talent. Born into a family with a rich artistic background - her father being a Broadway conductor and her mother a former ballerina - it was clear that Sally's life would be immersed in the world of performing arts. Kirkland made her film debut at the tender age of 15, but it was her role as 'Ramona Rickettes' in the 1974 cult classic "Animal House" that truly catapulted her into the limelight. Her captivating performances in films such as "Times Square," for which she earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, and "The Stunt Man," cemented her status as a formidable actress. In addition to her film career, Sally Kirkland has made significant strides in theater and television. Her notable work includes performances on Broadway in plays like "Cactus Flower" and TV series like "ER." As a writer, she published the critically acclaimed memoir, "Can I Start Again Please?," offering readers a raw, insightful look into her life and career. Kirkland's journey as an artist has been marked by resilience and reinvention. She continues to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and inspire future generations of artists with her unwavering dedication to her craft. Her quote, "I never say no because I might miss something," beautifully encapsulates her fearless approach to life and art.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I don't want to be a star. I want to be a legend."

The quote "I don't want to be a star. I want to be a legend" suggests that Sally Kirkland aspires not just for temporary fame (a star), but for lasting impact and enduring recognition (a legend). This implies a desire to leave an indelible mark on her field, transcending the fleeting nature of popularity, and becoming synonymous with greatness and significance in the hearts and minds of people.


"Life is too short to be small. You must be as big as you can be."

This quote encourages individuals to make the most out of their lives, reminding them not to limit themselves or their potential due to fear, insecurity, or societal expectations. Rather, it inspires them to strive for greatness, to expand their horizons, and to live boldly, expressing themselves fully without being confined by self-imposed constraints. It is a call to embrace one's unique qualities, talents, and passions in order to make a meaningful impact on the world.


"Success doesn't always equal happiness."

This quote by Sally Kirkland suggests that while achieving success, such as career advancement or material possessions, may fulfill certain external desires, it does not necessarily guarantee inner contentment or happiness. Happiness is a complex emotion that often stems from personal fulfillment, meaningful relationships, and emotional well-being rather than merely professional or financial achievements. Success can provide opportunities, but true happiness is typically found in how one approaches life, nurtures their relationships, and cultivates a positive outlook.


"The most important thing in acting is that it comes from the heart."

This quote emphasizes that genuine emotion, stemming from a deep emotional connection within an actor, is crucial for compelling and authentic performances. It suggests that the more acting derives from one's feelings, the more engaging the portrayal will be for the audience. In essence, Sally Kirkland highlights the importance of personal investment and sincerity in the art of acting.


"I want to create a character, not play myself."

This quote by Sally Kirkland indicates her desire to delve into fictional characters during her acting performances rather than simply portraying herself. Essentially, she seeks to immerse herself in the unique traits, emotions, and backstories of each character, providing a more engaging and authentic experience for audiences. Instead of relying on personal experiences or traits, Kirkland aims to bring fresh perspectives and depth to her roles by fully embracing the distinct personalities that each character embodies.


My attitude is always one of sensuality, aggressive enthusiasm and a kind of outrageousness in my expression.

- Sally Kirkland

Enthusiasm, Kind, Always, Aggressive

I think you can really tell a good actor if you can put a camera on them and they can just talk and emote and react and you don't have to keep cutting away from them, because they are the language and the behavior. It's all a tour-de-force performance.

- Sally Kirkland

Tell, Away, I Think, Camera

My activism and sexual revolution in New York was a factor.

- Sally Kirkland

New York, New, York, Sexual Revolution

I taught Sandra Bullock when no one knew who she was. I talked her out of quitting. I put her in a showcase.

- Sally Kirkland

Out, Knew, Put, None

I always told, Sandra Bullock was my student when she was younger, I always told her it's important that we hold on to our insecurity, the wisdom of insecurity.

- Sally Kirkland

Student, Always, Younger, None

Our church has been legal since late 1960s. I've been involved since 1972. I was ordained in 1975.

- Sally Kirkland

Church, Been, Our, Ordained

A lot of my joy this year has been to give away awards to young people, no matter of race, creed or color, because they were a terrific violinist or a terrific dancer.

- Sally Kirkland

Give, Away, Been, Violinist

When I was growing up watching Marilyn Monroe, I learned that you can be very beautiful, very glamorous and very vulnerable and not give up your soul just because you were a movie star.

- Sally Kirkland

Soul, Movie, Very, None

I'm on Governor Gray Davis' California Alliance Towards Education to bring the arts back to high schools.

- Sally Kirkland

Education, Alliance, Bring, High Schools

Probably what my comment meant was that I don't care about the circumstances if I can tell the truth.

- Sally Kirkland

Circumstances, Tell, Meant, Comment

I had art as a major, along with English, French and History. I had dance, modern dance. In English I was allowed to write my own poetry, which I eventually got published.

- Sally Kirkland

Art, My Own, Which, French

My point is that, over the years, I've taught five thousand people acting and lately I have a lot of energy on these kids, having the same break I had as a high school girl.

- Sally Kirkland

Over, Break, Having, Lately

In Europe you can be Sophia, you can be these older women who are considered very sexy.

- Sally Kirkland

Sexy, Very, Considered, Sophia

I think that souls agree to come in and do what they're going to do and then leave when they're going to leave. So there's nothing tragic when a soul leaves. I think it was already preordained.

- Sally Kirkland

Think, Going, I Think, Tragic

I had no idea that he was going to write that, but I've always believed that insecurity was what would keep you always in your innocence, no matter what the business did.

- Sally Kirkland

Business, Innocence, Always, Believed

I suppose if I wanted to be the girl next door, I could have been. I think America is confused by someone who appears to be sexual and spiritual at the same time.

- Sally Kirkland

Door, Think, Next, Sexual

My favorite actresses were Geraldine Paige, Anne Bancroft and Kim Stanley.

- Sally Kirkland

Favorite, Were, Anne, Stanley

I made a conscious decision back then that I would rather be the best actress who ever lived than the most famous one.

- Sally Kirkland

Decision, Famous, Actress, Conscious

With my ministry of light, part of what I do is work on the California Alliance For Arts Education.

- Sally Kirkland

Education, Arts Education, Ministry

So, I think that Marilyn, what she gave the world, and in many ways Kennedy too, was that they had dreams and they didn't allow anybody to take away their dreams.

- Sally Kirkland

Think, I Think, Allow, Kennedy

In the case of Marilyn and John Kennedy, I think they did affect change.

- Sally Kirkland

Think, I Think, Marilyn, Kennedy

I have some great stories and I will get around to writing a book.

- Sally Kirkland

Will, Some, Stories, Great Stories

I have married thriteen couples. I'm about to do a marriage next month.

- Sally Kirkland

Marriage, Month, Next, Couples

I certainly was one of the instigators in the 1960s of freedom of expression.

- Sally Kirkland

Expression, Certainly, 1960s

I really think that women should be allowed to be more European, in this country.

- Sally Kirkland

Think, Country, Allowed, European

I think I'm more European in personality.

- Sally Kirkland

Personality, Think, I Think, European

Everyone should have a moment with Ron Howard in their life to give you faith in our industry.

- Sally Kirkland

Give, Everyone, Should, Ron

So I have this ability, if I may say so, to spot talent.

- Sally Kirkland

Talent, Say, May, Spot

The only thing that I could think of to do was to be an actress.

- Sally Kirkland

Think, Actress, Could, The Only Thing

She was a genius, my mother.

- Sally Kirkland

Mother, She, Genius

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