Actor Quote by Laurence Olivier
“Scratch an actor and you'll find an actor.”
About This Quote
Source Film: Shakespeare in Love, 1998
The quote suggests that the role you play defines you, not your true self.
In simple terms: Your role defines you.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the influence of roles.
Themes
identity
performance
self-perception
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
observational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- acting auditions
- career counseling
- personal branding
- team dynamics
Key Concepts
theatre
role-play
social masks
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate your role from your true self?
- When does a role become a limitation?
A Different Perspective
Roles may be imposed, limiting authenticity.
![“[in 1979] You must have - besides intuition and sensitivity - a cutting edge that allows you to reach what you need. Also, you have to know life - bastards included - and it takes a bit of one to know one, don't you think?” quote by Laurence Olivier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/11d/laurence-olivier-11163_cutting_in-1979-you-must-have-besides-intuition_331373.jpg)
![“[on whether he harbored any resentment at his forced retirement from the stage after he was fired by Britain's National Theater] I should be soaring away with my head tilted slightly toward the gods, feeding on the caviar of Shakespeare... An actor must act.” quote by Laurence Olivier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/756/laurence-olivier-11163_actors_on-whether-he-harbored-any-resentment-at_368719.jpg)
