--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: They say TV has a tendency to diminish…" description: "\"They say TV has a tendency to diminish actors, and I think that's probably true in the long run - it wears on 'em like bad dental work - but Cheech doe..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/efe/sam-shepard-2232_bad_they-say-tv-has-a-tendency-to-diminish-a_1514298.jpg" --- # They say TV has a tendency to diminish actors, and I think… ![“They say TV has a tendency to diminish actors, and I think that's probably true in the long run - it wears on 'em like bad dental work - but Cheech doesn't show any of the signs of being damaged that way. And as a man, he's fantastic.” quote by Sam Shepard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/efe/sam-shepard-2232_bad_they-say-tv-has-a-tendency-to-diminish-a_1514298.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/efe/sam-shepard-2232_bad_they-say-tv-has-a-tendency-to-diminish-a_1514298.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/efe/sam-shepard-2232_bad_they-say-tv-has-a-tendency-to-diminish-a_1514298.jpg) > “They say TV has a tendency to diminish actors, and I think that's probably true in the long run - it wears on 'em like bad dental work - but Cheech doesn't show any of the signs of being damaged that way. And as a man, he's fantastic.” [Sam Shepard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sam-shepard/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. TV can erode an actor’s craft over time, but Cheech retains his skill and masculinity despite the medium’s wear. **In simple terms:** TV may dull actors, but Cheech stays strong. Key Takeaway Recognize talent that endures. Themes craft masculinity media impact Mood reflective admiring Type critical celebratory When to use this quote - film set - television career - long‑term performance - public perception Key Concepts acting longevity personal resilience Questions to Reflect On - How do you maintain authenticity in a demanding medium? - What signs indicate an actor is being worn down? A Different Perspective Even strong actors can be subtly altered by TV demands. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Actors](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/actors/) [Actors Think](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/actors-think/) [Bad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bad/) [Dental work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dental-work/) [Diminish Actors](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/diminish-actors-5582061/) [Long](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long/) [Long run](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long-run/) [Man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/man/) [Signs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/signs/) [Tv Tendency](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tv-tendency-5582063/) [Work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work/) [Work Cheech](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work-cheech-5582062/) ## Related quotes > [A man loses his illusions first, his teeth second, and his follies last.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/helen-rowland/a-man-loses-his-illusions-first-his-teeth-second-and-his-follies-last/) [Helen Rowland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/helen-rowland/) > [I feel like alternative piercings in the ear is this untapped way to festoon yourself. 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