Charles Durning quotes

Charles Durning was an American actor acclaimed for his work in film, television, and theater. His diverse roles ranged from comedic to dramatic, earning him numerous awards and nominations throughout his career. He is remembered as one of Hollywood’s most dependable and versatile character actors. Here are 19 of his quotes:

That place that no one knows about - horrifying things we keep secret. A lot of that is released through acting. (Charles Durning)

I was born looking older... and I've been aging since I was a teenager.

Charles Durning

I'd like to have a decade of my life back. I dropped into a void for almost a decade.

Charles Durning

I can't count how many of my friends are in the cemetery at Normandy, the heroes are still there, the real heroes.

Charles Durning

There are many secrets in us, in the depths of our souls, that we don't want anyone to know about.

Charles Durning

Dancing came easy for me. Acting came hard.

Charles Durning

You make the money in movies and TV so you can do theater. I do a play a year... somewhere.

Charles Durning

Sometimes you succeed and sometimes you don't.

Charles Durning

If I had my druthers, I would do only stage work.

Charles Durning

I was doing judo before anybody knew it existed in this country.

Charles Durning

I was born a character actor. (Charles Durning)

I never turned down anything and never argued with any producer or director.

Charles Durning

I lack confidence as an actor.

Charles Durning

You're out there on a high wire without a net, and that's the way actors operate. They have to be fearless about how they work and they have to create a life for the audience in 90 minutes and make them believe.

Charles Durning

Of course, I'm not often the top dog, but sometimes it's better not to be top dog, because you last longer. If a movie or play flops, you always blame the lead. They say, 'He couldn't carry it.' They always blame him. But they rarely blame the second or third banana.

Charles Durning

I would rather do a play because it's instantaneous. You go on the stage, and you know whether it's happening or not. Somebody asked me 'What is acting?' And I said, 'Acting is listening.' And if you ain't listening, nobody's listening.

Charles Durning

There's no nobility with war. It's tear-'em-up destruction that leaves you frustrated, bitter and angry... If you really knew what it was like for an hour, you wouldn't want anyone to go through it.

Charles Durning

Acting is ephemeral. You can't hang it on a wall. You can't throw it off. And you can't bring it out of a closet. It's there one night and it's gone the next, at least with stage acting anyhow.

Charles Durning

I think I've done 200 plays and 125 movies, so I've been very lucky to have made a living at acting.

Charles Durning

Charles Durning

Charles Durning - Image

Occupation: American Actor
Born: February 28, 1923
Died: December 24, 2012
Quotes count: 19

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