Skip to content

Beginning Quote by Beverly Sills

“At the beginning, I thought, 'Oh, I can't criticize a singer who's doing a role that I adored... even a role I didn't do.' And then I thought, 'The heck with that! Thirty years of experience... ask the girl who did it!' And I feel that if they're not willing to take what I have to say, that's…” quote by Beverly Sills
Download Open image
“At the beginning, I thought, 'Oh, I can't criticize a singer who's doing a role that I adored... even a role I didn't do.' And then I thought, 'The heck with that! Thirty years of experience... ask the girl who did it!' And I feel that if they're not willing to take what I have to say, that's fine! But I'm going to say it.”

Beverly Sills

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Voice of Broadway, 1992

She emphasizes the importance of speaking truth despite personal admiration, asserting that experience grants authority to critique.

In simple terms: Speak truth even if you admire the subject.

Key Takeaway

Offer honest feedback when qualified.

Themes

courage integrity experience

Mood

assertive reflective

Type

advice motivational

When to use this quote

  • theatre reviews
  • mentor-mentee discussions
  • public speaking
  • media interviews

Key Concepts

art criticism professional responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance respect with honesty?
  • When is it appropriate to with?
A Different Perspective

May be perceived as harsh or ungrateful by fans.

4.2 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Beverly Sills

Explore all 57 Beverly Sills quotes

More Beginning quotes

Browse all 3,566 Beginning quotes