Eli Wallach quotes

Eli Wallach was an American actor renowned for his versatile roles in film, television, and theater. Notable for his performances in classic movies such as "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" and "The Magnificent Seven," he became a familiar face in Hollywood’s Golden Age. He captivated audiences for decades with his distinctive character portrayals and enduring screen presence. Here are 37 of his quotes:

When you have to shoot, shoot, don't talk.

Eli Wallach

And I did Batman, too. I did Mr. Freeze. I get more mail for him than anything I've ever done.

Eli Wallach

Having the critics praise you is like having the hangman say you've got a pretty neck.

Eli Wallach

The big secret in acting is listening to people.

Eli Wallach

So I wanted to show what I did with the money. So I got red silk shirts, beautiful hats, wonderful saddles, a great horse, and two gold teeth. So that was the way I did it.

Eli Wallach

I never dreamed I would do Westerns.

Eli Wallach

But Clint I love, because Clint was my mentor. I knew nothing about making an Italian movie.

Eli Wallach

Well, I was getting a lot of money then, and I wasn't getting any Hollywood films, so I just did those. I'd always do a play in between. Whenever I ran low on funds, I'd always rush off to do a movie somewhere.

Eli Wallach

My first Western was called The Magnificent Seven.

Eli Wallach

I've never lost my appetite for acting; it's innovative and challenging.

Eli Wallach

All of these stories bounced around in my mind for a long time.

Eli Wallach

I always wanted to tell stories and act.

Eli Wallach

I met my wife and, for the next ten years, we did no films at all. She did the first movie and then I did several after. My first movie was written by Tennessee Williams and directed by Kazan and was called Baby Doll.

Eli Wallach

Well, I've maybe gotten 200 requests for interviews about Marilyn, and I just decided I'm gonna do my own.

Eli Wallach

I love to tell stories and this is my way of getting them down on paper.

Eli Wallach

But I went to the University of Texas in the 30s, and while there I learned to ride. Mostly polo ponies.

Eli Wallach

I was an original member of the Actors' Studio.

Eli Wallach

When I saw the movie, I said, I wish I had heard the music. I would have ridden the horse differently.

Eli Wallach

One thing changes every evening: It's the audience, and I'm working my magic. I'm always learning from it.

Eli Wallach

Well, I go to the theater today, and its curtain - there is no curtain in this play; the lights go down and go up - and we start. And I live this character for two hours. There are only two of us in the play. And It's a complete experience.

Eli Wallach

I always end up being the evil one, and I wouldn't hurt a fly.

Eli Wallach

I've worked with wonderful actors like Marlon Brando and Henry Fonda.

Eli Wallach