I want to do what I can lend my talents to, but I want it to be as a human being and not as a two-dimensional character.
Gene WilderRead
If my mother hadn't laughed at the funny things I did, I probably wouldn't be a comic actor. After she had her first heart attack, the doctor said, 'Try to make her laugh.' And that was the first time I tried to make anyone laugh.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Gene Wilder attributes his career in comedy to his mother's laughter, demonstrating the profound impact of encouragement on one's path.
In this quote, Gene Wilder reflects on how his mother's laughter at his antics cultivated his passion for comedy. He reveals that even in challenging moments, such as after her heart attack, he found purpose in making her laugh, highlighting the role of humor in both personal and familial connections.
Themes
ComedyLaughterMotherActorEncouragement
In practice
Example use cases
Sharing this quote during a comedy workshop to inspire aspiring comedians.
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A lot of comic actors derive their main force from childish behavior. Most great comics are doing such silly things; you'd say, 'That's what a child would do.
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What good is a character who's always winking at the audience to let them in on the secret?
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I never used to believe in fate. I used to think you make your own life and then you call it fate. That's why I call it irony.
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The thing I love about making movies is the peace of mind that I know I don't have to be perfect the first time. I can be perfect the second time or the third time.
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