--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I'm not a trained actor. I have neither…" description: "\"I'm not a trained actor. I have neither read acting books nor gone to acting school. But I have certain fundamentals on how I approach a character; the..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/785/vikrant-massey-6330_books_i-m-not-a-trained-actor-i-have-neither-r_947654.jpg" --- # I'm not a trained actor. I have neither read acting books… ![“I'm not a trained actor. I have neither read acting books nor gone to acting school. But I have certain fundamentals on how I approach a character; the basic skeleton of my preparation is based on observations from real life.” quote by Vikrant Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/785/vikrant-massey-6330_books_i-m-not-a-trained-actor-i-have-neither-r_947654.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/785/vikrant-massey-6330_books_i-m-not-a-trained-actor-i-have-neither-r_947654.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/785/vikrant-massey-6330_books_i-m-not-a-trained-actor-i-have-neither-r_947654.jpg) > “I'm not a trained actor. I have neither read acting books nor gone to acting school. But I have certain fundamentals on how I approach a character; the basic skeleton of my preparation is based on observations from real life.” [Vikrant Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-massey/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He emphasizes learning acting through real‑life observation rather than formal training. **In simple terms:** Learn acting by watching people. Key Takeaway Observe daily life for character insight. Themes acting observation learning Mood reflective inquisitive Type practical inspirational When to use this quote - auditions - theatre workshops - film roles Key Concepts Method acting improvisation Questions to Reflect On - How can you structure self‑study? - What observations reveal character traits? A Different Perspective Lack of formal training may limit technique. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Acting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/acting/) [Acting school](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/acting-school/) [Actor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/actor/) [Approach Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/approach-character-614087/) [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Preparation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/preparation/) [Read Acting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/read-acting-1666505/) [Real life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/real-life/) [School](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/school/) [Theatre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theatre/) [Trained Actor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trained-actor/) ## Related quotes > [I learned so much by being an actor, and part of my sort-of development as a writer is big thanks to the scripts I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joel-edgerton/i-learned-so-much-by-being-an-actor-and-part-of-my-sort-of/) [Joel Edgerton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joel-edgerton/) > [I try not to read acting books any more, but they set a high bar for me very early on.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-j-smith/i-try-not-to-read-acting-books-any-more-but-they-set-a-high-bar-for/) [Brian J. Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-j-smith/) > [Many people think voice over artists just read, there's much more to it. Without acting beats, scene study and improving skills, you won't make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tara-strong/many-people-think-voice-over-artists-just-read-there-s-much-more-to/) [Tara Strong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tara-strong/) > [Remember, acting is not a business of glamour. It is science, craft and an art. Read about acting; don't do it for the sake…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/boman-irani/remember-acting-is-not-a-business-of-glamour-it-is-science-craft-and/) [Boman Irani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/boman-irani/) > [As an actor, it's hard to approach any character with negatives.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jimmy-smits/as-an-actor-it-s-hard-to-approach-any-character-with-negatives/) [Jimmy Smits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jimmy-smits/) > [The ideal way to approach a character is to find something in yourself that relates in some way.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jesse-eisenberg/the-ideal-way-to-approach-a-character-is-to-find-something-in/) [Jesse Eisenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jesse-eisenberg/) > [There's a lovely freedom of will when you approach a character that no one has really come across before, because it is your own…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rose-leslie/there-s-a-lovely-freedom-of-will-when-you-approach-a-character-that/) [Rose Leslie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rose-leslie/) > [Whenever I approach any character, I try to find examples to draw upon.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-marvel/whenever-i-approach-any-character-i-try-to-find-examples-to-draw-upon/) [Elizabeth Marvel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-marvel/) > [I don't really approach a character as to whether or not it's good or bad. I just approach a character as to where it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/zachary-quinto/i-don-t-really-approach-a-character-as-to-whether-or-not-it-s-good-or/) [Zachary Quinto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zachary-quinto/) > [I would say that the woman's ability to multi-task and to be maternal in instinct, it fosters a different approach to the character that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omari-hardwick/i-would-say-that-the-woman-s-ability-to-multi-task-and-to-be-maternal/) [Omari Hardwick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omari-hardwick/) > [You get the part, sign the contract and start to realize millions of people follow this guy and know more about your character than…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-hemsworth/you-get-the-part-sign-the-contract-and-start-to-realize-millions-of/) [Chris Hemsworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-hemsworth/) > [Well, you know, I think the way to approach any character is just with a deep sense of empathy for whoever it is, whatever…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-faist/well-you-know-i-think-the-way-to-approach-any-character-is-just-with/) [Mike Faist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-faist/) > [Everybody's going to approach a character differently, depending upon what they bring to it on their own intellectual level or their feelings from their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-cullen/everybody-s-going-to-approach-a-character-differently-depending-upon/) [Peter Cullen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-cullen/) > [Even when I do comedy, since I have no training in stand-up, I always approach a character like a character and not like a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sunil-grover/even-when-i-do-comedy-since-i-have-no-training-in-stand-up-i-always/) [Sunil Grover](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sunil-grover/) > [I don't approach my character in a set pattern. I want to get into the skin of the character. I don't love Manoj Bajpayee;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/manoj-bajpayee/i-don-t-approach-my-character-in-a-set-pattern-i-want-to-get-into-the/) [Manoj Bajpayee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/manoj-bajpayee/) ## More by Vikrant Massey > [There is no one-size-fits-all process. It differs from character to character and priority to priority. Every project has a different priority, and you have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-massey/there-is-no-one-size-fits-all-process-it-differs-from-character-to/) [Vikrant Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-massey/) > [I'm really grateful to God for whatever I have.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-massey/i-m-really-grateful-to-god-for-whatever-i-have/) [Vikrant Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-massey/) > [I might have added zeros to my bank balance and followers to my Instagram account, but apart from that, I still lead a middle-class…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-massey/i-might-have-added-zeros-to-my-bank-balance-and-followers-to-my/) [Vikrant Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-massey/) > [I don't like repeating things and look out for work that could challenge me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-massey/i-don-t-like-repeating-things-and-look-out-for-work-that-could/) [Vikrant Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-massey/) > [I have had over a dozen trips to Lucknow - for work or personal visits.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-massey/i-have-had-over-a-dozen-trips-to-lucknow-for-work-or-personal-visits/) [Vikrant Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-massey/) > [There is no denying that TV pays really well.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-massey/there-is-no-denying-that-tv-pays-really-well/) [Vikrant Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-massey/) > [We generally pretend to be something to survive in a society. So the characters I play, I want them to be wholesome characters. They…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-massey/we-generally-pretend-to-be-something-to-survive-in-a-society-so-the/) [Vikrant Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-massey/) > [Though I played a supporting role in 'Lootera,' I am mostly getting offers for leads.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-massey/though-i-played-a-supporting-role-in-lootera-i-am-mostly-getting/) [Vikrant Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-massey/) > [I can't do too many things at one time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-massey/i-can-t-do-too-many-things-at-one-time/) [Vikrant Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-massey/) > [Unfortunately, my dancing skills never came to the fore, as I got involved in acting on television, where an actor doesn't get too many…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-massey/unfortunately-my-dancing-skills-never-came-to-the-fore-as-i-got/) [Vikrant Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-massey/) > [I have seen ups and downs. When my chips are down, I remind myself of the time when Aamir Khan spoke to me over…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-massey/i-have-seen-ups-and-downs-when-my-chips-are-down-i-remind-myself-of/) [Vikrant Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-massey/) > [Television has an unparalleled reach.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-massey/television-has-an-unparalleled-reach/) [Vikrant Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-massey/) > [I never thought the media would be interested in me - this is very surreal.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-massey/i-never-thought-the-media-would-be-interested-in-me-this-is-very/) [Vikrant Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-massey/) > [I've hardly ever played urban characters.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-massey/i-ve-hardly-ever-played-urban-characters/) [Vikrant Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-massey/) > [With all due respect, I don't think that having eight-pack abs or 21-inch biceps matter.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikrant-massey/with-all-due-respect-i-don-t-think-that-having-eight-pack-abs-or-21/) [Vikrant Massey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-massey/) [Explore all 99 Vikrant Massey quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikrant-massey/) ## More Acting quotes > [I actually think acting is a form of self-hypnosis. 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Sometimes it takes longer than what you can give.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/big-sean/acting-is-a-grind-just-like-music-is-a-grind-sometimes-it-takes/) [Big Sean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/big-sean/) > [It was only when I started making short films in college and I was looking for girls to play the me-ish parts that I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lena-dunham/it-was-only-when-i-started-making-short-films-in-college-and-i-was/) [Lena Dunham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lena-dunham/) > [Writing is something I took up rather than anything I had an inclination toward. I like acting -delivering someone else's message - but writing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-martin/writing-is-something-i-took-up-rather-than-anything-i-had-an/) [Steve Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-martin/) > [I can still function when I don't have that balance I crave. I had a tendency to be precious about acting, thinking of it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laura-regan/i-can-still-function-when-i-don-t-have-that-balance-i-crave-i-had-a/) [Laura Regan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laura-regan/) > [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/) > [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/) > [It definitely helps to have the acting experience going into singing, because when you're singing, you have to portray the emotion you were feeling…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ryan-newman/it-definitely-helps-to-have-the-acting-experience-going-into-singing/) [Ryan Newman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ryan-newman/) > [The show was number one in the ratings, Gordon Russell was our head writer, the story lines were magnificent and the acting most exciting.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-storm/the-show-was-number-one-in-the-ratings-gordon-russell-was-our-head/) [Michael Storm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-storm/) > [I've done so many other projects where you're in a room with a reader and you're acting your lines out: 'We have to get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-cummings/i-ve-done-so-many-other-projects-where-you-re-in-a-room-with-a-reader/) [Jim Cummings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-cummings/) > [I do not believe in public shaming. 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