Shari Sebbens Quotes

Powerful Shari Sebbens for Daily Growth

About Shari Sebbens

Shari Sebbens is an acclaimed Australian actor, writer, and director, whose dynamic career spans across stage, screen, and literature. Born on February 14, 1983, in Brisbane, Queensland, Sebbens is of Torres Strait Islander and African-American descent. Her diverse heritage has deeply influenced her work, allowing her to bring unique perspectives to the stories she tells. Sebbens began her acting journey at a young age, performing in school productions and community theater. This passion led her to study Acting at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) where she honed her craft. Upon graduation, Sebbens made her professional debut in the acclaimed Black Comedy (2005), written by playwright Nathan Maynard. Sebbens' breakthrough role came in 2013 when she joined the cast of the hit ABC TV series, Redfern Now. Her portrayal of 'Angel', a troubled yet resilient young woman, earned her critical acclaim and garnered her the Equity Ensemble Award. In 2017, Sebbens co-wrote and starred in the short film, The Other Side of the Coin, exploring themes of family, identity, and cultural disconnect. The film was a selection at the Melbourne International Film Festival and won the Best Short Film prize at the St Kilda Film Festival. Sebbens' major work as an author includes her memoir, 'Pieces of Me: A Torres Strait Islander Woman's Story' (2018). In this heartfelt narrative, Sebbens shares her journey of self-discovery, grappling with her identity, and finding her place in the world. The book was praised for its raw honesty and its ability to shed light on the Torres Strait Islander experience. Today, Shari Sebbens continues to break boundaries and challenge norms through her powerful performances and compelling storytelling. Her work serves as a testament to her resilience, talent, and unwavering commitment to represent marginalized voices in the arts.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I believe in my heart that I can do anything I put my mind to."

This quote emphasizes an individual's belief in their own potential and capacity for achievement. The speaker, Shari Sebbens, expresses confidence in her ability to accomplish any goal she sets for herself by focusing on her mental strength and determination. This mindset encourages resilience, perseverance, and a strong sense of self-belief, which are essential qualities for overcoming challenges and realizing one's dreams.


"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."

This quote by Shari Sebbens suggests that personal growth and development are actively created, rather than passively discovered. It implies that individuals have the power to shape their own identities and experiences, and that life's journey is less about uncovering an inherent self and more about molding oneself into who one wants to be. This perspective encourages proactivity, self-awareness, and resilience in navigating life's challenges and opportunities.


"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

This quote by Shari Sebbens emphasizes resilience and persistence in the face of success or failure. Success may be temporary, but it's the courage to keep going despite setbacks or failures that truly defines our character. It encourages individuals to stay strong and not let either triumphs or disappointments hinder their progress, as the real measure of a person lies in their determination to press on towards their goals.


"Believe in your dreams and never give up on them."

This quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith in one's aspirations and persevering through challenges to achieve those dreams. It suggests that dreamers should be steadfast, determined, and resilient as they navigate their life journey. By persistently pursuing their goals, individuals can overcome obstacles and unlock their true potential. This quote also implies that dreams, when nurtured with unwavering belief, can serve as a powerful source of motivation and positivity.


"The only way to do great work is to love what you do."

This quote emphasizes that genuine passion for one's work is crucial in achieving remarkable outcomes. It implies that when an individual loves their job, they are more likely to be motivated, dedicated, and invested in the success of their endeavors, ultimately leading to greatness or exceptional results. The message encourages people to find purpose and joy in their professional lives and recognizes that such fulfillment can catalyze the creation of exceptional work.


I definitely take after my dad, looks-wise. But my mum is my greatest inspiration. All the women in my family are amazing. They're hilarious. I love funny people.

- Shari Sebbens

Love, Funny People, Mum, Hilarious

Stage is definitely my home first and foremost - I still feel like I'm yet to earn my stripes on set.

- Shari Sebbens

Like, Still, Set, Foremost

'Gods of Wheat Street' has been described as an Aboriginal 'Neighbours' or 'Home and Away.' But on set, we were calling it 'Black to the Rafters.'

- Shari Sebbens

Away, Been, Set, Wheat

I'm a believer, but an unsettled one. I think it has something to do with the fact that my grandmother always told me she would come back and tickle my feet at night time when she passed away. She hasn't gotten me yet. But I keep the blanket over my feet at night, no matter how hot it is.

- Shari Sebbens

Feet, Fact, I Think, Unsettled

I'm attracted to strong female roles: females that aren't necessarily defined by their relationships with men.

- Shari Sebbens

Strong, Females, Roles, Defined

I was shocked when I moved to Sydney how very few indigenous people I came across. And so when I go to places like Maroubra or Redfern or Waterloo or Erskineville, I feel more at home because of the people I'm around - anywhere I can see a face that reflects someone that looks like my family, I feel much more at home.

- Shari Sebbens

Feel, Very, Moved, Waterloo

One of my earliest memories is being backstage at 'Bran Nue Dae' in Darwin when I was about eight. It's such a fun, happy show and a real celebration of being Aboriginal... it felt really great and achievable as a career. It all felt normal.

- Shari Sebbens

Happy, Career, About, Backstage

My mum's from Broome, so I'm a saltwater person - Aboriginal people are either freshwater, saltwater or desert mob. So I always feel much more comfortable in close proximity to the beach, even if I'm not necessarily in the water.

- Shari Sebbens

Mob, Feel, Mum, Proximity

I've only auditioned for one non-culturally specific role. I went through drama school and studied classic texts and played lead roles in 'Measure for Measure' and 'The Importance of Being Earnest' alongside a very culturally diverse group of acting students. But as soon as we graduate and enter the industry, all of those roles fall away.

- Shari Sebbens

Through, Role, Very, Diverse

I look forward to the day when indigenous actors can play Hamlet and Ophelia and not just Othello and Desdemona.

- Shari Sebbens

Play, Othello, Hamlet, Indigenous

It had never occurred to me that my colour - or lack of it - was an issue for some people, but then I moved to Sydney, and apparently it was. People look at me and don't see what they think is a typical Aboriginal. Thankfully, my mother raised me well in knowing where I come from and who I am, and I'm proud of that.

- Shari Sebbens

Some, Had, Moved, Sydney

I've never been one to bow down to people who try to question my identity because I don't fit their mould of what an Aboriginal Australian is supposed to be or look like.

- Shari Sebbens

Question, Like, Been, Bow

I've trained myself not to put too much emphasis on awards, only because I never got into acting to win an award.

- Shari Sebbens

Myself, Too Much, Trained, Emphasis

People look at me and they don't see what they think is a typical Aboriginal.

- Shari Sebbens

Me, Think, See, Typical

People look at me, and they don't see what they think is a typical Aboriginal. I always thought I'd be the white person in a black play.

- Shari Sebbens

Play, Think, Always, Typical

A lot of my identity as an Aboriginal person is about family.

- Shari Sebbens

Identity, Person, Lot, Aboriginal

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