William H. Macy Quotes

Powerful William H. Macy for Daily Growth

About William H. Macy

William H. Macy, born on March 13, 1950, in Miami, Florida, is an accomplished American actor, writer, and director known for his versatile performances spanning both television and film. Raised in a working-class family, Macy developed a passion for acting early in life, which he nurtured at Kansas City's Catholic University. After graduating, Macy moved to New York City and struggled with unemployment for several years before finding success in Off-Broadway productions. His big break came in 1985 when he was cast as a recurring character on the popular sitcom, "St. Elsewhere." This role led to more television work, including memorable stints on shows like "The Unit" and "Shameless," for which he received four Emmy nominations. In film, Macy has starred in numerous critically acclaimed projects such as "Fargo," "Boogie Nights," "Magnolia," and "Seabiscuit." His performances often showcase a talent for portraying complex, flawed characters that resonate with audiences. Macy's work in the film industry has garnered him an Academy Award nomination and three Golden Globe Awards. In addition to his acting career, Macy is also a prolific writer. He co-wrote the play "The Four of Us" with David Mamet and penned a memoir titled "A Very Potter Fartpants Christmas." His work frequently explores themes of love, family, and the human condition, drawing upon his own experiences and relationships. Throughout his career, William H. Macy has proven to be a dynamic and influential figure in the entertainment industry, leaving an indelible mark on audiences with his compelling performances and thought-provoking work.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The thing about acting is that it's not a real reliable way to make a living."

This quote by William H. Macy suggests that acting as a profession is unpredictable and may not consistently provide financial stability. It emphasizes the transient nature of an acting career, where income may fluctuate significantly based on factors such as roles available, demand for talent, and personal successes. Despite these challenges, many individuals choose to pursue acting due to their passion for the craft and the creative fulfillment it brings.


"You can't choose your family, but you can choose your friends."

This quote highlights the inherent and often unchangeable nature of one's family relationships compared to friendships. While we don't have a choice in who our relatives are, we do have the freedom to select the individuals with whom we build close, meaningful friendships. It serves as a reminder that while we may not always agree or get along perfectly with our families, we can choose to invest time and effort in cultivating relationships with those who align more closely with our values, personalities, and life goals - thus expanding and enriching our social circles outside of our immediate family.


"I've always been an actor who wanted to be in movies more than television, but I don't think you can pick and choose what medium you work in."

William H. Macy's quote highlights his personal preference for film acting over television, yet acknowledges the realities of the entertainment industry where artists often don't have the luxury to select their preferred medium. Instead, opportunities in both cinema and television must be embraced to sustain a career in the competitive world of show business.


"I don't see acting as a competitive sport."

William H. Macy views acting not as a competition, but as an individual creative endeavor where each artist brings unique perspectives to their craft. This suggests that, unlike sports, success in acting is not determined by outperforming others, but by the authenticity and depth of one's own performance. It implies collaboration over rivalry, artistry over athleticism, and self-expression over competition.


"The only thing you know about the future is that it's going to be different than the present."

This quote by William H. Macy underscores the fundamental uncertainty we have about the future. Despite our best predictions, plans, or expectations, the future always brings change and unpredictability because it differs from the present state of things. It serves as a reminder that while we can prepare for the unknown, we must also remain adaptable and open to change.


A favorite cast? Lisa Kudrow, Anthony Hopkins, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, and my wife.

- William H. Macy

Wife, Gene, Hackman, Hopkins

We must admit that it is quite common that people do have affairs with their leading ladies and men.

- William H. Macy

Admit, Common, Leading, Ladies

We thought sex was free. Sex is not free. There's a price to be paid emotionally, physically, even legally. Sex isn't a casual thing. It's a huge thing.

- William H. Macy

Thought, Sex, Physically, Huge Thing

Oh yeah, that's the Holy Grail, Pirates of the Caribbean. Johnny Depp, he's the real deal, isn't he? He doesn't get the girl, and he doesn't care.

- William H. Macy

Deal, Holy, Pirates, None

That red carpet has to be felt to be believed.

- William H. Macy

Red, Carpet, Felt, Believed

I was a dog in a past life. Really. I'll be walking down the street and dogs will do a sort of double take. Like, Hey, I know him.

- William H. Macy

Pet, Will, Like, Past Life

Yeah, I made it. It sneaks up on you. You're some schmuck and you wake up one day and you go, Good God, I'm the cheese.

- William H. Macy

Some, One Day, Made, Schmuck

It started with the Godfather, this operatic violence. I don't know.

- William H. Macy

Violence, Know, Started, Godfather

I'm a firm believer that character is highly overrated. Character is a trick that we do with the audience's collusion.

- William H. Macy

Firm Believer, Firm, Overrated

Stephen King writes a lot of things that are really charming and quirky, and that are more ironic than horror.

- William H. Macy

King, Horror, Ironic, Writes

Everyone hooks up with George Clooney. He's a genuinely cool guy. He's using his powers for good.

- William H. Macy

Everyone, Using, Cool Guy, None

The only people who do plays in LA are people who can't get jobs in TV shows.

- William H. Macy

TV, TV Shows, Plays, La

When Fargo came out, I hired a publicist for the first time in my life. I thought, if ever I was going to make it, that was then.

- William H. Macy

My Life, Thought, Going, Fargo

I'm really proud of the writing on Door to Door, and I think that's the Emmy that meant the most - the writing.

- William H. Macy

Door, Most, Meant, Emmy

I have a tendency to say yes to a script or no to a script. Not yes based on a rewrite.

- William H. Macy

Yes, Based, Tendency, Rewrite

The bar raises as you go.

- William H. Macy

You, Go, Bar, Raises

Directors work 10 times harder than anyone else. Get paid a quarter.

- William H. Macy

Work, Times, Anyone, Quarter

The Spirit Awards are great too, they'll say anything because they're not televised. Another great drinking night.

- William H. Macy

Night, Drinking, Another, Televised

I think I've been in situations where they looked at me and just see some rich white guy - they don't see me at all.

- William H. Macy

Think, Some, Been, Situations

I'll tell you this about the Oscars - they're real.

- William H. Macy

Real, Tell, About, Oscars

There are some older women out there who are just knockouts, real beauties, and they're not getting the roles they should.

- William H. Macy

Older Women, Some, Roles, Older

Ninety percent of the preparation we do as actors is just jive. It doesn't do anything.

- William H. Macy

Percent, Just, Ninety, Ninety Percent

I got an agent. He said, what do you wanna do, and I said, I want an Oscar nomination. That's your job, that's what I'm paying you for. And I got it.

- William H. Macy

Want, Oscar, Agent, Paying

I'm not against watching myself, but I miss a lot of it. I've got two little kids who we don't let watch TV.

- William H. Macy

Myself, Against, TV, Miss

When I was in New York, I was making a living. We had a summer house and a car that I could put in a garage. That's something for a stage actor.

- William H. Macy

New, Living, Making, Making A Living

When I watch a film I get swept away. I don't really watch the camera.

- William H. Macy

Watch, Away, Get, Swept

Nobody became an actor because he had a good childhood.

- William H. Macy

Childhood, Actor, Became, Good Childhood

I'm sure I have a process, but it mostly takes place in my dreams.

- William H. Macy

Dreams, Process, Sure, Mostly

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.