Ted Shackelford Quotes

Powerful Ted Shackelford for Daily Growth

About Ted Shackelford

Theodore "Ted" Shackelford (born June 26, 1952) is an American actor, producer, and television director, best known for his role as Gary Ewing in the primetime soap opera "Dallas." Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Shackelford grew up in a family of entertainers. His father was a bandleader, and his mother was a singer. This musical background would later influence his career path. Shackelford began his acting career on the stage in regional productions before making the transition to television. He landed his first major role as Gary Ewing in "Dallas" in 1978. The role brought him international fame, and he continued to portray Gary until the series ended in 1991. In 1980, Shackelford made his film debut in "The Cannonball Run," where he played the role of a race car driver. He has since appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "Falcon Crest," "General Hospital," and "The Young and the Restless." In addition to acting, Shackelford has also ventured into production and directing. He produced the soap opera "Santa Barbara" and directed several episodes of "Days of Our Lives." Shackelford's personal life is as fascinating as his professional one. He was married to actress Michele Lee (who played his on-screen mother in "Dallas") for 17 years, and they have two children together. Ted Shackelford remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, known for his versatility and longevity in acting and his contributions behind the scenes. His career spans over four decades, making him a respected figure in the world of soap operas and television.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is too short for regrets and missed opportunities."

This quote emphasizes the importance of living fully and seizing opportunities, rather than dwelling on mistakes or unrealized possibilities. It encourages individuals to be proactive in their lives, rather than passive, as time is a precious and limited resource that should not be wasted on regret. Instead, it should motivate us to take risks, embrace experiences, and make the most of every moment.


"The greatest happiness you can have is knowing that you do not ought to wish yourself anywhere else."

This quote by Ted Shackelforde emphasizes a profound sense of contentment and fulfillment derived from being at peace with one's current circumstances. It suggests that the most joyous state one can achieve is knowing deep within oneself that there is no place or situation they desire to be more than where they are now, indicating a deep sense of acceptance, satisfaction, and gratitude for one's present life.


"Happiness is an attitude. We either blame circumstances for what we lack, or we blame ourselves."

This quote suggests that a person's level of happiness is largely determined by their own mindset rather than external circumstances. In other words, one can choose to be happy by not blaming others or circumstances for their unhappiness but instead taking responsibility for their own contentment. The quote implies that our perspective and attitude toward life play a significant role in determining our overall state of happiness. It encourages individuals to adopt an attitude of gratitude and self-responsibility, focusing on the positive aspects of their lives rather than dwelling on what they lack or blame external factors for their dissatisfaction.


"Success is a journey, not a destination."

The quote by Ted Shackelford signifies that success isn't a fixed point to arrive at but rather a continuous process or journey. It emphasizes that the true essence of success lies in the progress we make towards our goals, rather than simply achieving them. This perspective encourages us to enjoy and learn from each step along the way, understanding that growth, personal development, and fulfillment come not only from reaching the destination but also from the journey itself.


"It's never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope you live a life that you're proud of; if you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again."

This quote by Ted Shackelford encourages individuals to embrace personal growth and transformation, regardless of their current age or circumstances. It suggests that one should strive to live a life that brings them pride and fulfillment. If they find themselves unsatisfied with their lives, the quote offers hope and guidance, urging them to have the courage to start anew, aiming for a life they will be proud of. This message underscores the idea that we have the power to shape our own destinies and that it's never too late to pursue our dreams and live authentically.


I have German Shepherds that I train and have brought back to Germany. I love going there.

- Ted Shackelford

Love, German, Shepherds, Train

On daytime they continue to revisit a lot of the same stuff while nighttime does move on and show development.

- Ted Shackelford

Development, Show, Move, Revisit

The thing with being on a series that runs that long is that the writers run out of things to do.

- Ted Shackelford

Run, Things, Series, Runs

What happens if you're the guy who's been on the show ten years and is highly paid but they have nothing for you to do is that they bring in other people, and you become a supporting character to those people.

- Ted Shackelford

Nothing, Other, Been, Supporting

I really wasn't on the Dallas set much. I did three or four episodes so I didn't see too much.

- Ted Shackelford

Too Much, Dallas, Set, Episodes

I can't really recall the first time I was noticed by a producer but the first time I was on television was doing Daytime for Another World, which I started in December '75 and went until December '76.

- Ted Shackelford

Doing, Television, Which, December

In January '77 I went out to LA and have been here 26 years.

- Ted Shackelford

Here, Been, January, La

But no, I'm still living in LA and haven't dropped off the face of the earth.

- Ted Shackelford

Face, Living, Still, La

Television is so dictated by time constraints that you have to make quick decisions and go with them.

- Ted Shackelford

Television, Go, Quick, Dictated

My wife is Danish and we go to Denmark a couple of times a year.

- Ted Shackelford

Danish, Couple, Times, Denmark

I went to the Westminster College for Men in Missouri, which is what it was called back then, and transferred to the University of Denver where I ultimately got my degree.

- Ted Shackelford

College, Which, Transferred, Westminster

I have no interest in writing, directing or producing.

- Ted Shackelford

Writing, Interest, Producing, Directing

If I could work with Joan Van Ark every day for the rest of my life I would.

- Ted Shackelford

Rest, My Life, Van, If I Could

Thirty years ago dinner theatre used to be much more of a going concern than it is now.

- Ted Shackelford

More, Used, Going, Dinner

It was unpredictable, good storytelling that brought you back each week.

- Ted Shackelford

Week, Storytelling, Brought, Unpredictable

One of the things I was so glad that happened to me on Knots was that I learned to relax.

- Ted Shackelford

One Of The Things, Learned, Glad

Knots Landing is the best thing that ever happened to me.

- Ted Shackelford

Me, Ever, Landing, Knots

Everything I have in life comes from Knots Landing.

- Ted Shackelford

Landing, Knots Landing, Knots

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