Actors Quote by Ellen Burstyn
“Bob Duvall is a great actor because each time out, he creates a whole, complete character. You have the feeling that you're not seeing an actor at all, but a fully realized human being. Think of how he was in The Godfather. If you didn't know Bobby, you'd think that he really was Tom, the consigliere. Then you see him in Santini, and he's completely different. He's not only a personality, he's a consummate actor.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: “Acting Mastery” on The Hollywood Reporter, 2018
A versatile actor fully embodies diverse characters, making them feel like real people rather than performances.
In simple terms: Great actors become fully realized humans.
Key Takeaway
Seek depth in every role.
Themes
acting
versatility
character immersion
Mood
respectful
analytical
Type
professional
inspirational
When to use this quote
- theatre rehearsals
- film casting
- character workshops
- improvisation classes
- directorial coaching
Key Concepts
method acting
empathy
identity fluidity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does an actor maintain self‑boundary?
- What techniques help switch between vastly different roles?
A Different Perspective
Risk of losing personal identity in deep immersion.
![“Everybody else, they're wonderful, but [Robert] Duvall sets the tone for all of cinema acting. So just to be in his space was amazing.” quote by Peter Jacobson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8f3/peter-jacobson-13237_acting_everybody-else-they-re-wonderful-but-rob_41109.jpg)
![“I think he [Leonardo DiCaprio] is a terrific actor. And I've - I've been rooting and voting for him since "Gilbert Grape." I thought he was so amazing in that one. He was a young man, really very young boy.” quote by Maggie Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fbc/maggie-smith-8377_actors_i-think-he-leonardo-dicaprio-is-a-terrif_1830327.jpg)
