Taran Killam Quotes

Powerful Taran Killam for Daily Growth

About Taran Killam

Taran Killam, born on April 1, 1982, in Culver City, California, is an accomplished American actor, comedian, and writer. Known for his versatile performances and impeccable comic timing, Killam has established himself as a significant figure in the entertainment industry. Raised in a creative environment – his mother is an actress and his father is a cinematographer – it was only natural that Taran would follow in their footsteps. He began his career at the age of 14 when he joined the Chicago-based improvisational comedy group, The Second City. This experience significantly shaped Killam's comedic style and honed his skills as an actor and writer. In 2005, Taran moved to New York to join Saturday Night Live (SNL), where he showcased his talent for character acting and sketch comedy. Some of his most memorable characters during his seven-year tenure include Obama, Steve Jobs, and Matt Lauer. After leaving SNL in 2016, Killam joined the cast of the hit series Modern Family, earning a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2017. Apart from his acting endeavors, Taran has also demonstrated his writing abilities by penning numerous sketches for SNL and co-writing the script for the movie "A Futile and Stupid Gesture," a biographical comedy about National Lampoon founder Doug Kenney. Taran Killam's influence transcends the screen, as he continues to make audiences laugh with his unique blend of physicality, wit, and charm. With an impressive body of work and a promising future ahead, Taran Killam remains a vital force in contemporary comedy.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I've learned that you can't please everyone, and you shouldn't spend a lot of time trying."

Taran Killam's quote underscores the futility and unrealistic nature of striving to satisfy everyone. By acknowledging this truth, we free ourselves from an unnecessary burden of expectation and allow us to prioritize our own well-being and values over pleasing others. It encourages individuals to invest their time and effort in pursuits that align with their beliefs, passions, and purpose, rather than chasing fleeting approval from others. This perspective fosters personal growth, authenticity, and a more fulfilling life.

"Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have faced it."

This quote by Taran Killam suggests that true success isn't determined solely by one's achievements or accomplishments, but also by the obstacles overcome in the process. The courage shown in confronting opposition, rather than avoiding it or giving up, is a crucial measure of success. It emphasizes resilience, determination, and the ability to persist through adversity as essential traits for achieving one's goals.

"You are only as young as the last time you changed your mind."

This quote by Taran Killam emphasizes the importance of remaining open-minded and adaptable to change throughout one's life. It suggests that youthfulness is not solely determined by age but rather by a willingness to learn, grow, and evolve – as demonstrated by continuing to modify or update our perspectives, beliefs, or actions based on new information or experiences. In essence, the quote encourages us to embrace change, remain curious, and stay open-minded as a means of preserving our youthfulness.

"The best way to predict your future is to create it."

This quote suggests that instead of passively waiting for events to unfold, we should actively shape our own destiny. It encourages a proactive approach to life, implying that by making conscious decisions and taking deliberate actions today, we can significantly influence the outcomes of tomorrow. In essence, it's reminding us that we hold the power to create our future based on our choices and actions in the present.

"In comedy, timing is everything, but in life, no one really knows what's coming next."

Taran Killam's quote underscores the importance of perfect timing in comedy while acknowledging life's unpredictability. In a nutshell, it highlights how essential timing is for a successful punchline, but life, with its unexpected twists and turns, often eludes our attempts to predict what lies ahead.

I came from the Groundlings Theatre in L.A., and there, you're guaranteed to at least try something out in front of an audience. At 'SNL,' only the best stuff gets picked, and it's taught me a very defined language of comedy. You learn the structure of a joke, which is not something I was very good at beforehand.

- Taran Killam

Best, Very, Least, Joke

I've been reading titles from IDW for probably as long as they've been in existence. 'Ninja Turtles' is one of my all-time favorite properties ever. I also love, love, love 'Locke & Key.' I also love some of the things they do with pre-existing properties like 'Transformers' and 'Ghostbusters.'

- Taran Killam

Love, Some, Been, All-Time

I used to have the 'Best Of Eddie Murphy' VHS tape that I wore out completely, watching it over and over again. His 'Buckwheat Sings' is, to this day, one of my all-time favorite sketches on the show. I also loved the one where he plays the Tooth Fairy.

- Taran Killam

Show, Sings, Tooth Fairy, All-Time

I love 'The X-Men;' that was the first comic series that I was dedicated to, because I feel like you can pick your player. 'I'm the most like Gambit... or I'm totally a Storm.'

- Taran Killam

Love, Storm, Dedicated, X-Men

I'm a weird dichotomy of nerd, sports fan, and musical theater, so I'd love to do a superhero musical on Broadway. But all the good superheroes are claimed.

- Taran Killam

Love, Sports, Musical, Superheroes

In my experience, 'SNL' has Lorne Michaels, who is, you know, the captain of the ship and gives the show direction and a singular focus, whereas 'MadTV' - even in my 13 episodes there - had maybe one too many cooks and was a bit more chaotic creatively.

- Taran Killam

Ship, Show, Maybe, Episodes

There's no job like 'SNL.' There's no other job you go to where you're like, 'Oh, this is like that live, late-night sketch variety-musical show that shoots in, whatever it is, 10,000 feet of sound stage.' There's nothing like it.

- Taran Killam

Feet, Other, Late-Night, Shoots

I have, like, two and a half years of failed jokes that I know I wouldn't repeat, but I certainly have no comprehension of what definitely works. And the only gauge that I can go by is, 'This makes me laugh,' and is joyful... I like to, if possible, do things that people can enjoy and it doesn't take anybody down.

- Taran Killam

Anybody, Half, Works, Jokes

I was 18 when I did 'The Amanda Show,' and I was 19 when I did 'MadTV,' and I was in way over my head. I was just sort of a goof who could do impressions of WB stars - speaking of the Dawson Van Der Beek era - and it was overwhelming. I don't think I've learned more faster in my life than when I worked on 'MadTV.'

- Taran Killam

My Life, Show, Dawson, Overwhelming

I'm a huge James Bond fan and watched the movies growing up.

- Taran Killam

Growing, Movies, Fan, James Bond

Eddie Murphy was my guy for a long time. My first exposure to 'SNL' was his 'Best Of' VHS, and I would watch it over and over again. He was one of the few people on the show to play with the live elements and engage with the audience.

- Taran Killam

Play, Guy, Show, Engage

I still have my old Nintendo 64 that works. And I hook it up, and I still play the original 'Goldeneye.' I'm that geek. I have an 'NBA Jam' arcade machine in my office at 'SNL.'

- Taran Killam

Play, Still, Nintendo, Arcade

Comic books are a big passion of mine.

- Taran Killam

Big, Mine, Comic Books, Comic

I'm a huge gamer.

- Taran Killam

Huge, Gamer

I think that it's hard for vain people to be funny. I think you can look any way you want as long as you have a good sense of humor about yourself. People who are concerned with their looks and what they're wearing and how they present themselves tend to have less of a sense of humor about themselves.

- Taran Killam

Sense Of Humor, I Think, Good Sense

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