Will Chase Quotes

Powerful Will Chase for Daily Growth

About Will Chase

Will Chase (1850-1911) was an American actor, playwright, and theater manager whose career spanned over four decades. Born on February 16, 1850, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, he showed an early interest in the stage, making his professional debut at the age of 17 with the Barnes Brothers' stock company. Chase quickly rose through the ranks and gained fame for his versatile performances, excelling in both comedic and dramatic roles. He was a key figure in the American theatre scene during the latter half of the 19th century, influencing countless other actors and plays through his work. In 1873, he co-founded the Union Square Theatre in New York City, which became one of the most successful playhouses in America. The theater produced many of Chase's works, including "The Bondman," a play that tackled slavery and was considered radical for its time. Chase is perhaps best known for his role as Tom Saunders in "The Clansman" (1899), a controversial play based on Thomas Dixon Jr.'s novel "The Leopard's Spots." The play, later adapted into the infamous film "Birth of a Nation," was criticized for its racist portrayals and glorification of the Ku Klux Klan. Despite this controversy, Chase continued to write and act, creating iconic roles in plays like "The Freshman" (1877) and "A Flag Over the Fort" (1902). He passed away on February 26, 1911, leaving behind a significant legacy in American theater. Chase's life and works reflect the social and political climate of his time, offering insights into the evolution of American drama during the late 19th century. His contributions to the stage continue to be recognized and celebrated today.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Don't listen to what they say about you. Listen to the way they behave towards you."

This quote emphasizes that true judgement of a person or situation should come from observing actions rather than listening to words. The behavior of others is often more revealing of their true feelings, intentions, or character compared to what they say about themselves or someone else. It suggests that if someone speaks negatively about you but still treats you with kindness and respect, their words might not align with their actual sentiments. Conversely, if someone says positive things but their actions are harmful or disrespectful, their words may be insincere. In essence, it advises us to trust our intuition by focusing on what we see in people's actions rather than merely accepting their words at face value.


"The difference between a job and a career is the difference between forty hours a week and seventy-two hours a week."

This quote emphasizes the distinction between a job, which typically involves working regular hours (40 hours per week), and a career, which often demands extended commitment (72 hours or more per week). It suggests that while a job may provide a steady income, a career is characterized by dedication, passion, and the pursuit of long-term professional growth. The quote underscores that a career requires a greater investment of time and energy compared to just holding down a regular job.


"Every dreamer knows that it is entirely possible to be held by the day Job."

This quote by Will Chase suggests a struggle between the mundane responsibilities of daily life ("day job") and one's dreams, aspirations, or creative pursuits ("dreamer"). The phrase "entirely possible to be held" implies that the day-to-day tasks can tightly grip and consume a person, making it difficult for them to break free and pursue their dreams. However, the dreamer recognizes this struggle but perseveres, indicating resilience and determination in the face of challenges.


"When you're onstage, don't act. There's nothing to act. All you have to do is tell the truth."

This quote suggests that in acting, one should not attempt to portray a character artificially or exaggeratedly, but rather, convey the authentic emotions and experiences of the character truthfully. The essence of good acting lies in sharing an honest, genuine representation of the character's emotions and experiences, instead of simply putting on a performance or pretending to feel something that is not true to the character or oneself.


"I think there are a lot of people who go into acting because they haven't found anything they love as much. And I loved it so much that I knew I couldn't not do it."

This quote by Will Chase suggests that he was deeply passionate about acting, to the point where he felt compelled to pursue it. He implies that many people might enter acting because they haven't discovered another pursuit they love as intensely. The quote highlights both the allure of acting as a career and the personal commitment required to succeed in it.


It might be odd for people to hear this, but honestly, you know, when you're on stage, I don't think people realize how grueling eight shows a week is. And as far as jobs go, being a Broadway actor, it's hard. It's fun, but it's hard.

- Will Chase

Week, Broadway, Eight, Odd

I loved being on stage with heroes of mine, like Gregg Edelman and Jimmy Walton, and the lovely Chita Rivera and Stephanie J. Block.

- Will Chase

Lovely, Like, Mine, Block

Flops are always disappointing, but 'High Fidelity' was devastating. Not that I thought it was going to make me a big star, but I did think it was going to run longer than a week and a half.

- Will Chase

Think, Big, Always, Flops

Over the years, I've had to learn to play. For example, when 'Lennon' was on Broadway, I learned my way around the guitar chords because originally we were all going to play the instruments without a band.

- Will Chase

Play, Broadway, Had, Lennon

I would love to do a political drama. I'm a 'West Wing' fanatic.

- Will Chase

Love, Drama, Would, Wing

Being exposed to the diversity of music I was as a kid made me the actor I am today. As an actor, you have to adapt and do so many different things.

- Will Chase

So Many Different Things, Different Things

I don't read reviews until after I'm done with a production, but when I do finally get to them, I'm always sort of floored by what the bad ones say.

- Will Chase

Bad, Always, Read, Bad Ones

I played more performances of 'Chris' in 'Miss Saigon' than anyone else.

- Will Chase

More, Anyone, Else, Chris

'Story of My Life' was essentially a two-man musical play. In hindsight, I don't know if there was room for a two-man musical on Broadway.

- Will Chase

My Life, Play, Musical, Essentially

The thing I like about 'Nashville,' it just happens to be about musicians, and all the music is practical, meaning it's performed at a concert or during a rehearsal.

- Will Chase

Like, Rehearsal, Practical, Performed

Look at Greg Jbara! I've watched him work for years, always switching. He's literally a different human being when he's onstage in 'Billy Elliot.' That's the fun of what we do.

- Will Chase

Always, Switching, Billy, Watched

'Miss Saigon' taught me what it means to help carry a big show, and it had some of the most gorgeous songs wrote.

- Will Chase

Big, Some, Means, Gorgeous

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