Acting Quote by Katharine Hepburn
“We were brought up in the school that teaches: You do what the script tells you. Deliver the goods without comment. Live it-do it-or shut up. After all, the writer is what's important. If the script is good and you don't get in its way, it will come off okay. I never discussed a script with Spence [Spencer Tracy]; we just did it. The same with Hank [Henry Fonda] in On Golden Pond. Naturally and unconsciously we joined into what I call a musical necessity-the chemistry that brings out the essence of the characters and the work.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 1995 TV interview on acting philosophy, 1995
Actors should follow the story's demands, trusting the script and collaborating intuitively with co‑stars, rather than imposing personal agenda.
In simple terms: Trust the script and work together.
Key Takeaway
Let the story guide you.
Themes
acting
collaboration
intuition
craft
discipline
Mood
reflective
professional
thoughtful
Type
advice
philosophical
insightful
When to use this quote
- film set
- theatre rehearsal
- directed performance
- improvisation
- creative teamwork
Key Concepts
method acting
musical necessity
character essence
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance script fidelity with personal interpretation?
- When does intuition override written direction?
A Different Perspective
May limit personal expression and lead to conformity.
