David Strathairn Quotes

So I just play the character, I play the lines.

I play a crazy talk-show host, but that's not me. It's like an actor playing a role.

If you're an actor, go out and act.

As the lead actor, you naturally get involved with a show.

She said, and I'm not kidding, 'Is this a speaking role?' I wasn't quite sure how to answer that one.

An actor has to embody a role.

I feel that I am a good actor.

To have a part that is written for you certainly helps an actor.

I play a role in front of the cameras, just like in the movies.

When I'm onstage, I'm acting.

The role of an actor is to make every character believable.

Just give me a good role that allows me to hone my craft, and I am a pretty happy camper.

Really, for an actor, it's all about remembering a lot of stuff - and keeping the moustache on.

I never played an ingenue.

I can't wait until I get to play the fat guy in the office.

I play one role until I take on another, which is exactly what a professional actor should do.

You just have to play the character.

The only thing an actor can do is, whatever lands on the carpet in the hall, you read it, and if you can't put it down, that's the job to do.

In New Mexico, my local church did a nativity play, and I was cast as Wise Man #3. Of course, Wise Man #3 had no damn lines. Wise Man #1 had all the lines! I stood there thinking, 'I could do that role so much better!' From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be an actor.

On screen, everyone stares at your face, but on stage, you can basically play anybody.

My job as an actor is to be visible and to tell stories.

You can't wait and sit for the phone to ring, so I do theater.

I did one or two plays at school. Once I played a tree, so I never thought I would be a good actor.

A good part's a good part. You can play serious and funny moments with a well-written role.

One thing I've really never had a problem with was memorizing lines. Most of the time I don't memorize the lines until we're on the set shooting the scene.