David Lindsay-Abaire Quotes

I've worked really hard, but I know people who have worked even harder but didn't have the chances I've had.

I'm not saying people shouldn't apply themselves and work hard. You do have to try to make your own luck. But I know people firsthand who worked incredibly hard, who were really smart, who never got into trouble, and still didn't get a break.

Don't get me wrong: I think that everyone should put forth an effort to do better, but let's face it, some of us are just plain luckier than others.

I'm not saying I'm something special. I might play a little better tennis than other people, but it is because I was given the chance, and not many people are.

I felt like there were so many talented people who should be getting what I have.

Being Prince's sister might get me in the door, but it is my own talent that keeps me on the stage.

No magic wands have been waved in my direction; I didn't win some kind of lottery to land a spot at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

There are a lot better musicians than me out there that just haven't had the luck to fall into everything like I have.

I had the good fortune of speaking with Orson Wells many decades ago and he said 'Success is primarily luck anyway.' And I have been very lucky. Of course, Orson Wells was enormously talented and brilliant - so who am I to argue with him!

There are lots of actors out there who are hugely, hugely talented and haven't got the breaks I've had.

All I really had was my talent. Without that I wouldn't be welcome at the White House.

People don't believe this, but Hollywood really is a meritocracy.

I worked a long time to get good at what I'm doing, and nobody handed me a recording contract because of who my father is.

It's hard work, 'Doctor Who,' but let's be frank about it, I'm fortunate to be rewarded in the ways that I am. I don't just mean financially, I mean the nature of the part and everything that comes with it.

A big part of who I am is just the way I was raised. Nobody is better than anyone else, and if you really work hard, you might get lucky and get what you want.

I have my own show at 28 and a Golden Globe. So, yes, I face rejection, but I've also been very fortunate and understand how fortunate I am.

Writing can be taken up at any point. But you need to remember that the arts are fundamentally unfair. Hard work and diligence won't necessarily take you all the way. Talent, nepotism, influence, and pure luck play a huge part.

I don't take anything for granted. I know there are a million and one dudes who are rapping, wishing they were in my shoes.

I am excited to work with Vikas. Whenever I tell people that I am doing a film with director of 'Queen,' they are like, 'Wow, good for you.' That makes me feel really good, and I feel fortunate to be the chosen one.

After a point, it doesn't matter where you come from. There are many star kids who haven't done well in the industry and rank newcomers who have done amazingly well.

There are people a lot smarter, a lot more talented than I am, people who've accomplished things I can only imagine. Often, they started from the most humble of circumstances. That's my message: freedom and opportunity. That's the American Dream.

There are lot of people who speak about superstardom, but I'd like to say that it's not about any individual - it's about the opportunity.

I've heard people say I'm a Curry and that helped me get where I am. Sometimes I think it's the opposite.

I've seen guys work as hard as I have and don't have the shot I have.

I've been very fortunate to be part of projects that are really big and broad.