Sam Waterston Quotes

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The role is the boss."

In this quote, Sam Waterston emphasizes that when it comes to a role in a performance, whether it be acting, singing, or any other artistic endeavor, the character's part should take precedence over personal opinions or preferences. The character is the one that drives the story forward and gives depth and authenticity to the narrative. As performers, we are merely vessels for these characters; they are our "bosses," guiding us through the creative process. This quote underscores the importance of embodying a role authentically, respecting its demands, and allowing it to shape our performance.

"I've always said that the more you know about acting, the less you use it."

This quote suggests that as an actor gains experience and knowledge, they become more adept at conveying emotions and telling stories through their performances without relying too heavily on technical skills or acting techniques. Essentially, Waterston is saying that true mastery in acting comes from a deep understanding of the craft, which allows actors to perform authentically and intuitively rather than overtly demonstrating their acting abilities.

"What I do as an actor is really a service to the playwright and the director."

Sam Waterston's quote emphasizes that his role as an actor is to serve the playwright and the director. This suggests that he views acting not solely as self-expression, but primarily as a means to bring the vision of others (playwright and director) to life on stage. It underscores the collaborative nature of theatre, where individual actors play a part in realizing a shared creative goal.

"I don't believe in method acting at all. It has no place on the American stage or screen."

In this quote, Sam Waterston expresses a skeptical view towards "method acting," which is an approach to acting where an actor seeks to fully inhabit their character, often by experiencing the emotions they portray off-stage as well. Waterston suggests that he does not find this technique suitable for the American stage or screen, possibly implying that it may be too intense or unrealistic for the demands of these mediums. Instead, he might argue for a more traditional, technical approach to acting.

"The job of an actor is to make the impossible possible, and the possible believable."

This quote by Sam Waterston encapsulates the essence of acting as a transformative art. Actors are tasked with bringing to life characters that may seem implausible or fantastical, making the impossible appear feasible on screen. Yet, their true challenge lies in convincing audiences of the authenticity and believability of these fictional personas, thus bridging the gap between reality and fiction. The power of great acting lies in its ability to transport us into another world, where we can immerse ourselves in a story and forget for a moment that we are simply watching a performance.