It was my mom who told me, "Ernie, if you make even one person happy with your smile or a funny thing you did every day, you'll have accomplished a great deal." And that's all I've ever tried to do.
Ernest BorgnineRead
The trick is not to become somebody else. You become somebody else when you're in front of a camera or when you're on stage. There are some people who carry it all the time. That, to me, is not acting.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Authenticity is key; true acting happens when one is not trying to be someone else.
Ernest Borgnine's quote emphasizes the importance of being genuine and true to oneself, even in performance. It suggests that while actors may adopt different personas, the essence of acting lies in the ability to embody a character without losing one's authentic self, highlighting the difference between genuine talent and mere affectation.
Themes
AuthenticityActingSelfPerformanceIdentity
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about self-acceptance, this quote can remind individuals to embrace their true selves.
More from Ernest Borgnine
All quotes →I just want to do more work. Every time I step in front of a camera I feel young again. I really do. It keeps your mind active and it keeps you going.
Ernest BorgnineRead
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