When did I realize I was God? Well, I was praying and I suddenly realized I was talking to myself.
Peter O'TooleRead
A few years back I was asked if I would go and meet a director and his various acolytes, and it occurred to me halfway through the meeting that what I was doing was auditioning. And I thought, 'Well, hang on buddy. I've done half a century of this.'
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the experience of auditioning despite a long career in acting.
Peter O'Toole's quote illustrates the irony of being asked to audition for a role after decades of established work in the film industry. It highlights the ongoing nature of evaluation and performance in the arts, where even seasoned professionals can find themselves in the position of needing to prove their worth.
Themes
ActingAuditioningExperienceCareerPerforming
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the perseverance needed in the arts industry.
More from Peter O'Toole
All quotes →No one should ever know where conduct ends and acting begins. Conduct unbecoming. That's what acting is.
Peter O'TooleRead
I put steam on the table by being an actor. That is how I live. The longer I live, the more expensive it becomes. So I do my work. And I can't be immensely picky. How many beautiful scripts come in one's lifetime? I have had more than anybody, practically.
Peter O'TooleRead
I have no intention of uttering my last words on the stage. Room service and a couple of depraved young women will do me quite nicely for an exit.
Peter O'TooleRead
Acting is just being a man. Being human. Not forcing it.
Peter O'TooleRead
It is time for me to chuck in the sponge. To retire from films and stage. The heart for it has gone out of me: it won't come back.
Peter O'TooleRead
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