When I first started doing sketch comedy, I promised myself that if I were ever to have any success in this business, I wouldn't hold back. Why get there and play it safe?
Will FerrellRead
I always just forced myself to do crazy things in public. In college I would push an overhead projector across campus with my pants just low enough to show my butt. Then my friend would incite the crowd to be like, 'Look at that idiot!' That's how I got over being shy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Embracing embarrassment can help overcome shyness.
Will Ferrell's quote underscores the idea that sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing humiliation can be a powerful way to conquer shyness. By engaging in outrageous behavior, he found a way to break through his self-consciousness and connect with others, highlighting the importance of humor and vulnerability in personal growth.
Themes
ShynessHumorVulnerabilityGrowthPublicEmbarrassment
In practice
Example use cases
Sharing this quote during a public speaking workshop to encourage participants to overcome their fears.
More from Will Ferrell
All quotes →Molly Shannon and I used to always talk about that we really felt strongly that we were comedic actors, that we weren't comedians. You just played things real and the comedy came out of the context.
Will FerrellRead
When a dramatic actor does a funny film, people are like, 'Wonderful! I didn't know he was funny!' But when it flips, people can get really thrown by it.
Will FerrellRead
When I was ten, I wrote an essay on what I would be when I grew up and said I would be a professional soccer player and a comedian in off season.
Will FerrellRead
Saturday Night Live is such a comedy boot camp in a way, because you get to work with so many different people who come in to host the show and you get thrown into so many situations and learn how to think on your feet, so filmmaking actually feels slow, in a good way.
Will FerrellRead
Similar quotes
Our comedies are not to be laughed at.
Samuel GoldwynRead
People thought I was funny, so I kind of took entertaining for granted... it was inevitable that I'd start giving little performances.
Johnny CarsonRead
I haven't spoken to my wife in years. I didn't want to interrupt her.
Rodney DangerfieldRead
Sex, drugs, and insanity have always worked for me, but I wouldn't recommend them for everyone.
Hunter S. ThompsonRead
"What's so unpleasant about being drunk?" "Ask a glass of water."
Douglas AdamsRead
Firefly: Where is your husband? Mrs. Teasdale: Why, he's dead. Firefly: I'll bet he's just using that as an excuse. Mrs. Teasdale: I was with him to the very end. Firefly: Hmmph. No wonder he passed away. Mrs. Teasdale: I held him in my arms and kissed him. Firefly: Oh I see. Then, it was murder.
Groucho MarxRead