William Mapother Quotes

Powerful William Mapother for Daily Growth

About William Mapother

William Mapother, born on February 8, 1960, is an acclaimed American actor, director, and screenwriter, famously known for his role as Ethan Rom in the science fiction series "Lost" and various roles within the 'Cloverfield' franchise. However, he also has a significant footprint as a literary figure, writing captivating stories that often intertwine with his acting career. Born in Charlottesville, Virginia, Mapother was influenced by his family's artistic background. His father, Tim Mapother, is a renowned sculptor, and his mother, Judith (Darragh), was an actress and teacher of Irish descent. This rich creative environment nurtured his passion for storytelling from an early age. After studying at the University of Virginia, Mapother moved to New York City to pursue acting. His first notable role came in the 1994 film "Quiz Show," where he worked alongside John Turturro and Rob Morrow. Throughout the '90s, he appeared in various television shows and films before gaining recognition for his portrayal of Jeremy Bentham in the HBO series "Deadwood." In the early 2000s, Mapother made a transition into writing, publishing his first novel, "The Messenger," in 2006. The book was a semi-autobiographical account of his experiences as an actor and his struggle with addiction. Critics praised its raw honesty and insightful portrayal of the struggles that many artists face in the industry. In recent years, Mapother has continued to act while also directing films and writing additional novels, further cementing his status as a versatile talent in the world of entertainment and literature. His works are notable for their raw emotionality and deep introspection, offering unique perspectives on life, art, and the human condition.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I'm not a big believer in fate, but I do believe in the order of things."

This quote suggests that while the speaker doesn't subscribe to the idea of destiny or predetermined events (fate), they do believe in the principle of natural progression and causality (the order of things). In simpler terms, they acknowledge that there is a systematic arrangement in the universe, where actions and their consequences follow a logical sequence. However, it also implies that individuals have the power to influence these sequences through their decisions and actions, rather than being mere bystanders in a prewritten storyline.


"When you think about something too much, it becomes real."

The quote suggests that our thoughts have a powerful impact on reality. When we dwell excessively on an idea or concept, we give it substance in our minds, making it seem more tangible or "real" to us. This can manifest in various ways, such as shaping our beliefs, influencing our emotions, and potentially affecting our actions. In essence, the quote encourages mindfulness and cautions against dwelling too much on ideas that may not be constructive or beneficial to our well-being.


"Everybody wants to be special; they just don't want to do the work that makes them special."

This quote by William Mapother highlights a common human tendency to desire recognition for our uniqueness, yet resist the effort and discipline required to actualize our potential. It suggests that while many people aspire to be exceptional or 'special', they are often unwilling to commit to the persistent practice and dedication necessary to develop their unique talents and skills, thus remaining ordinary. The quote underscores the notion that true greatness is not something bestowed upon us, but rather something we earn through consistent effort and dedication.


"Fear is a great motivator."

The quote suggests that fear can be a powerful driving force in people's actions and decisions. Fear, as an emotion, often prompts individuals to take action or avoid certain situations due to perceived threats or risks. This can lead to change, growth, or the adoption of new strategies, which might not have been considered without the presence of fear. However, it's crucial to note that while fear can be a motivator, excessive or unchecked fear can also hinder progress and lead to irrational decisions. Balance is key in using fear as a motivator.


"You can't go back. You should never look backwards. You might be surprised at what you find, but you will certainly run right into it."

This quote suggests that one should avoid dwelling on the past as it may uncover regrets or mistakes, but moving forward is essential because looking back could potentially hinder progress. It's a call to focus on the present and future, as looking back might lead us into old issues rather than helping us move forward in life.


If you think about filmmaking as an entire spectrum, starting with the writer and ending with maybe the marketing department, the actor's contribution is a rather slender band.

- William Mapother

Think, Maybe, Rather, Spectrum

I worked in script development, many years ago, and read a lot of scripts. Between that and the scripts I've read as an actor, and I'm a writer as well, I think I have a pretty good sense about whether the bones of a story are there and whether the structure is intact.

- William Mapother

I Think, About, Good Sense, Scripts

I've made a number of independent films that didn't receive theatrical distribution, that a lot of people haven't heard of, and as a result, I've conditioned myself to go into small independent films with the expectation that they will not, and therefore, I have to find my reward elsewhere.

- William Mapother

Small, Theatrical, Conditioned

I would not call myself Catholic anymore, but I went to 16 years of Catholic school: grade school, high school and college.

- William Mapother

College, Catholic School, Grade School

I love sci-fi, especially when it thrives on a thought-provoking story, rather than explosions.

- William Mapother

Love, Rather, I Love, Thrive

I love classical music and often listen to symphonies or opera in the morning.

- William Mapother

Love, Symphonies, I Love, Classical Music

I was an English major, so I love discussing possibilities and alternate theories.

- William Mapother

Love, Discussing, I Love, Alternate

I can be a bit of a science geek. I tend more towards reading about brain science, neuroscience.

- William Mapother

More, Neuroscience, Tend, Geek

In the summer of 2009, I was at the Shakespeare lab at the public theater in New York.

- William Mapother

New York, New, Public, Shakespeare

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