--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: You know, if an actor or, say, a…" description: "\"You know, if an actor or, say, a basketball player writes a rhyme, it doesn't mean he's a rapper. You got to put in time. I don't say I'm an actor.\" — ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a02/redman-7095_actor_you-know-if-an-actor-or-say-a-basketball_476646.png" --- # You know, if an actor or, say, a basketball player writes… ![“You know, if an actor or, say, a basketball player writes a rhyme, it doesn't mean he's a rapper. You got to put in time. I don't say I'm an actor.” quote by Redman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a02/redman-7095_actor_you-know-if-an-actor-or-say-a-basketball_476646.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a02/redman-7095_actor_you-know-if-an-actor-or-say-a-basketball_476646.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a02/redman-7095_actor_you-know-if-an-actor-or-say-a-basketball_476646.png) > “You know, if an actor or, say, a basketball player writes a rhyme, it doesn't mean he's a rapper. You got to put in time. I don't say I'm an actor.” [Redman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/redman/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Talent in one field doesn’t automatically transfer to another; skill requires dedicated practice and time. **In simple terms:** Being good at something needs effort, not just fame. Key Takeaway Put in the work to earn credibility. Themes skill effort authenticity Mood determined reflective Type motivational inspirational When to use this quote - acting - music - writing - career transition Key Concepts discipline craft identity Questions to Reflect On - What skill are you trying to master? - How do you prove authenticity? A Different Perspective Even with effort, public perception may still label you unfairly. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Actor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/actor/) [Basketball](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/basketball/) [Basketball player](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/basketball-player/) [Rapper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rapper/) [Theatre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theatre/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [One of the most, in a weird way, encouraging things a director can say to an actor - I know this as an actor…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-rickman/one-of-the-most-in-a-weird-way-encouraging-things-a-director-can-say/) [Alan Rickman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-rickman/) > [A rhyme doesn't make a song.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dorothy-fields/a-rhyme-doesn-t-make-a-song/) [Dorothy Fields](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dorothy-fields/) > [Roses are red, violets are blue, some poems rhyme, this one doesn't.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paige/roses-are-red-violets-are-blue-some-poems-rhyme-this-one-doesn-t/) Paige > [I always hated the world "acting" - to say, "I'm an actor." It should be more like a believer.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-jackson/i-always-hated-the-world-acting-to-say-i-m-an-actor-it-should-be-more/) [Michael Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-jackson/) > [I have to say from an actor's perspective, to work with a director who has been an actor through most of their career is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karen-allen/i-have-to-say-from-an-actor-s-perspective-to-work-with-a-director-who/) [Karen Allen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karen-allen/) > [I've always been a bit of an orphan, because actors say, 'Well, he's more of a dancer.' And dancers say, 'No. He's really a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dick-van-dyke/i-ve-always-been-a-bit-of-an-orphan-because-actors-say-well-he-s-more/) [Dick Van Dyke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dick-van-dyke/) > [The other, the other aspect when I say I'm an actor is that as an actor you make this imaginative leap into being somebody…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/simon-mcburney/the-other-the-other-aspect-when-i-say-i-m-an-actor-is-that-as-an/) [Simon McBurney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-mcburney/) > [I guess I could say I'm an actor, which I am, but that sounds like I'm putting down being a movie star, which, let's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dennis-quaid/i-guess-i-could-say-i-m-an-actor-which-i-am-but-that-sounds-like-i-m/) [Dennis Quaid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dennis-quaid/) > [I always say, as an actor you're only as good as your last job.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rebecca-root/i-always-say-as-an-actor-you-re-only-as-good-as-your-last-job/) [Rebecca Root](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rebecca-root/) > [I started out as a writer and a director. I started acting because I wanted to know how to relate to the actors. When…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chadwick-boseman/i-started-out-as-a-writer-and-a-director-i-started-acting-because-i/) [Chadwick Boseman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chadwick-boseman/) > [If you drugged me with truth serum and said I can only do one thing, I would probably have to say that I would…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-hall/if-you-drugged-me-with-truth-serum-and-said-i-can-only-do-one-thing-i/) [Brad Hall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-hall/) > [For the longest time, I was always like a guy that people would think they went to high school with. They'd be like, 'How…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-messina/for-the-longest-time-i-was-always-like-a-guy-that-people-would-think/) [Chris Messina](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-messina/) > [You can't say you're an actor if you've never acted, and you can't act if no one gives you an opportunity, but they won't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/yvonne-orji/you-can-t-say-you-re-an-actor-if-you-ve-never-acted-and-you-can-t-act/) [Yvonne Orji](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/yvonne-orji/) > [I have to say that as an actor, I really look for the role. I'm not really looking to see if it's for television…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amy-smart/i-have-to-say-that-as-an-actor-i-really-look-for-the-role-i-m-not/) [Amy Smart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amy-smart/) > [I've done so much different stuff, people kinda go, 'Do you live in Islington?' 'Did you used to go to so and so school?'…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-harewood/i-ve-done-so-much-different-stuff-people-kinda-go-do-you-live-in/) [David Harewood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-harewood/) ## More by Redman > [Well if you from New Jersey, you always knew that going to Jersey Shore was way different from where you lived at. I live…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/redman/well-if-you-from-new-jersey-you-always-knew-that-going-to-jersey/) [Redman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/redman/) > [I wouldn't know what to do with a big house.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/redman/i-wouldn-t-know-what-to-do-with-a-big-house/) [Redman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/redman/) > [I was always creative with the artwork. Always creative with the visuals. That's what made me standout.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/redman/i-was-always-creative-with-the-artwork-always-creative-with-the/) [Redman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/redman/) > [Maybe the level of people you attract is what you supposed to attract. Maybe the few people I attract are the ones who know…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/redman/maybe-the-level-of-people-you-attract-is-what-you-supposed-to-attract/) [Redman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/redman/) > [I will not be doing any more sitcoms, unless it's my own or a movie or I'm directing.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/redman/i-will-not-be-doing-any-more-sitcoms-unless-it-s-my-own-or-a-movie-or/) [Redman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/redman/) > [I definitely want to help the youth, people who can't afford medicine.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/redman/i-definitely-want-to-help-the-youth-people-who-can-t-afford-medicine/) [Redman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/redman/) > [I just use every experience I go through as a learning experience so I can better myself and get in position on what I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/redman/i-just-use-every-experience-i-go-through-as-a-learning-experience-so/) [Redman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/redman/) > [When I appeared in EPMD's 'Hardcore' song and video that was just crazy. Def Jam had these little virals back then on VHS tape.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/redman/when-i-appeared-in-epmd-s-hardcore-song-and-video-that-was-just-crazy/) [Redman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/redman/) > [It's a cold world, better pack your own heat.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/redman/it-s-a-cold-world-better-pack-your-own-heat/) [Redman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/redman/) > [I am a Wu-Tang member and Method Man, he been a Def Squad member way before I was a Wu member. I was like…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/redman/i-am-a-wu-tang-member-and-method-man-he-been-a-def-squad-member-way/) [Redman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/redman/) > [The first 'Blackout!' just started out with us doing the first song, 'How High' - I guess it was 'How High' - and then…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/redman/the-first-blackout-just-started-out-with-us-doing-the-first-song-how/) [Redman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/redman/) > [Those who preach in rap, don't make no money.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/redman/those-who-preach-in-rap-don-t-make-no-money/) [Redman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/redman/) > [I smacked her, cracked her, put her in a full nelson.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/redman/i-smacked-her-cracked-her-put-her-in-a-full-nelson/) [Redman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/redman/) > [I'm sautéing emcees with fried rice up in the wok without the MSG and chopped celery.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/redman/i-m-saut-ing-emcees-with-fried-rice-up-in-the-wok-without-the-msg-and/) [Redman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/redman/) > [I'm not really trying to get in the acting field that hard. I'm trying to really be behind the scenes and direct and produce.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/redman/i-m-not-really-trying-to-get-in-the-acting-field-that-hard-i-m-trying/) [Redman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/redman/) [Explore all 95 Redman quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/redman/) ## More Actor quotes > [I actually think acting is a form of self-hypnosis. You have to be hyper, hyper aware of what's going on around you. You have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julianne-moore/i-actually-think-acting-is-a-form-of-self-hypnosis-you-have-to-be/) [Julianne Moore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julianne-moore/) > [When you step out and do a song in a musical, the easier thing to do is make it funny. But when those transitions…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kelli-o-hara/when-you-step-out-and-do-a-song-in-a-musical-the-easier-thing-to-do/) [Kelli O'Hara](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kelli-o-hara/) > [I once told someone I could act. They totally bought it. I've been getting away with it ever since.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/akshay-kumar/i-once-told-someone-i-could-act-they-totally-bought-it-i-ve-been/) [Akshay Kumar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/akshay-kumar/) > [There has got to be a way for me to have a role on TV or in film that is just as normal as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adeel-akhtar/there-has-got-to-be-a-way-for-me-to-have-a-role-on-tv-or-in-film-that/) [Adeel Akhtar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adeel-akhtar/) > [I love casting against type and doing things you wouldn't expect, because I think you get more interesting performances that way. Hollywood loves to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-s-goyer/i-love-casting-against-type-and-doing-things-you-wouldn-t-expect/) [David S. Goyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-s-goyer/) > [I'm an actor, so I'm never going to feel like I've done enough.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/italia-ricci/i-m-an-actor-so-i-m-never-going-to-feel-like-i-ve-done-enough/) [Italia Ricci](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/italia-ricci/) > [I am tired of our characters being so incomplete. When do we ever save the day in a film? When does a Latino actor…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/esai-morales/i-am-tired-of-our-characters-being-so-incomplete-when-do-we-ever-save/) [Esai Morales](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/esai-morales/) > [When I was 13, I auditioned for the theater school, and I was there for four years. In the meantime, I did my first…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ana-de-armas/when-i-was-13-i-auditioned-for-the-theater-school-and-i-was-there-for/) [Ana de Armas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ana-de-armas/) > [If you stood me in a costume next to a computer graphic of the same-looking character, I think there would be a difference. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warwick-davis/if-you-stood-me-in-a-costume-next-to-a-computer-graphic-of-the-same/) [Warwick Davis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warwick-davis/) > [failure in the theater is more public, more brilliant, more unreal than in any other field.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lillian-hellman/failure-in-the-theater-is-more-public-more-brilliant-more-unreal-than/) [Lillian Hellman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lillian-hellman/) > [I'm a character actor - always have been, always will be - and historically, character actors don't come into their own until later in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/annie-potts/i-m-a-character-actor-always-have-been-always-will-be-and/) [Annie Potts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/annie-potts/) > [Actors don't hate acting. Most people don't hate acting! Whether you're a child mucking around with your friends or a grown up being paid…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/liv-hewson/actors-don-t-hate-acting-most-people-don-t-hate-acting-whether-you-re/) [Liv Hewson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/liv-hewson/) > [It was only when I went to acting school that I was like, "You are absolutely such a pigheaded freak show that you thought…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/giles-matthey/it-was-only-when-i-went-to-acting-school-that-i-was-like-you-are/) [Giles Matthey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/giles-matthey/) > [I never planned to do female roles. It just happened. I was typecast.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/divine/i-never-planned-to-do-female-roles-it-just-happened-i-was-typecast/) [Divine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/divine/) > [Once I committed to acting, this has been it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernie-hudson/once-i-committed-to-acting-this-has-been-it/) [Ernie Hudson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernie-hudson/) [Browse all 21,590 Actor quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/actor/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "You know, if an actor or, say, a basketball player writes a rhyme, it doesn't mean he's a rapper. You got to put in time. 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