Acting Quote by Michael Shurtleff
“Often actors ask me if I think they should go on trying to be an actor. I have the same answer for everyone who asks: If you have a choice and could reasonably be happy doing something else, by all means go at once and do something else. Acting or writing or directing in the theatre or television or screen is only for the irrecoverably diseased, those who are so smitten with the need that there is no choice.”
About This Quote
Choosing a career should prioritize personal fulfillment over relentless pursuit of a single art form; if another path promises happiness, pursue it without guilt.
In simple terms: Career choice hinges on happiness, not stubbornness.
Key Takeaway
Leave a passion if it no longer brings joy.
Themes
career fulfillment
self-awareness
passion vs. practicality
creative industries
personal happiness
Mood
reflective
candid
motivational
Type
advice
personal philosophy
career guidance
When to use this quote
- an actor facing burnout
- a writer questioning their path
- a director feeling stuck
- a professional contemplating a career change
- a student choosing a major
Key Concepts
career decision
creative identity
well‑being
Practical Applications
- career counseling
- personal development workshops
Questions to Reflect On
- What signs indicate it's time to change direction?
- How can one balance passion with practical happiness?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that dedication to a craft, despite hardship, builds mastery and resilience, which can be more rewarding than switching to comfort.
![“Humor [in a scene] is not jokes. It is that attitude toward being alive without which you would long ago have jumped off the 59th Street Bridge.” quote by Michael Shurtleff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/504/michael-shurtleff-19554_acting_humor-in-a-scene-is-not-jokes-it-is-that_611053.jpg)
