You see a script, and you say, 'Oh, I can play the heck out of that,' talk to your agent, and he says they don't want to see you. That's heartbreaking.
Rita MorenoRead
I've always had this image of this strong, sprightly person who is undaunted by anything; on the contrary, I was one of the shyest, most unsure people you ever met in your life. But I have one very specific quality: I'm plucky. I really am. I would say that's a perfect description of my personality.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the contrast between self-perception and inner strength, revealing the value of being plucky despite shyness.
Rita Moreno reflects on her journey from being shy and unsure to recognizing her own courageous spirit. She emphasizes the importance of being plucky—having determination and resilience—despite external appearances. This insight reveals that one's true strength can often exist beneath a timid exterior, challenging the stereotype of what it means to be strong or confident.
Themes
CouragePluckResilienceShynessStrengthPersonality
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming fears, one could quote Moreno to inspire others to embrace their plucky nature.
More from Rita Moreno
All quotes →I'm trying as hard as I can to keep pushing the boundaries of what a woman is capable of doing. And it turns out there's a lot we can do. There's a lot we can speak about.
Rita MorenoRead
No one's going to tell me how to make my own choices. For too many years, everybody told me what to say and what to do and how to be.
Rita MorenoRead
I started dancing almost before I could walk.
Rita MorenoRead
What musical performers bring to straight characterizations is that physical flexibility that comes with knowing your body so well. A lot of actors are terribly awkward. Terribly. And I think it's so important for them, when they're young, to work on their physical selves.
Rita MorenoRead
I was determined that with perseverance and faith, at some point, someone would say, 'This girl has talent,' and would cast me in something meaningful.
Rita MorenoRead
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