Barkhad Abdi Quotes

I want to work really hard and stay committed to my work so that I can grow as an actor.

As an actor, my main focus is finding good writing and attacking a good role.

I truly believe the discipline I have honed as a dancer will bring me more opportunities as an actor.

I think as an actor you want to keep being challenged.

I never said, 'I'm going to be a big star.' I said, 'I'm going to be a good actor.' And that took the pressure off.

The way I choose parts is I look at the scripts... I choose a part by whether or not it challenges me.

My sport taught me what I could do with my talents, whether in the rink or in the rest of my life.

You can only dance for so long, but you can act until you're dead, so... I fell in love with it and I want to keep doing it and pushing myself.

I started as a straight actor. I'd go onstage, and I'd think, 'Wow, this is the only thing I want to work really hard at. I will rehearse fifty times on a single scene; I don't care - I'll do it again.'

At the end of the day, I want to play characters that interest me.

If you challenge yourself and try to be the best in all areas, you have to be a complete driver.

All I ever wanted to do was get a great job on a TV show. When I read 'Modern Family' and started looking at what was available - I obviously couldn't play Gloria; I couldn't play Claire. When I saw the character of Cam, I was like, 'I have to have a shot at this,' because I thought it was a character that would be really fun to play.

One thing I've learned in life is that natural talent only takes you so far, and I've always wanted to grow.

I'm always looking for roles to challenge me and ones which I'll enjoy playing.

As an actor, I am looking for diverse roles.

If I play at a really high level, opportunities will come my way.

Trying to get over to the 'on camera' side of things has been hard work.

I was never a good student. But I wrote acting notes every day and prepared for my next shoots diligently.

Like any other actor, I want to be part of good projects.

One must keep challenging oneself to do well in any profession.

I had to know that for me to be successful in all aspects of my life, I have to work.

The discipline learned from putting in time and effort as a child is a skill and a talent you carry with you for the rest of your life in trying to achieve goals.

Sacrifice. Work. Self-discipline. I teach these things, and my boys don't forget them when they leave.

Power is natural, but it can be improved with a lot of work. It's been something I've focused on for a couple of years because I saw it as a place where I could make improvements.

I'm not dreaming of any podiums or any medals that I can put around my neck. I'm just focusing on what I need to do today in order to be better tomorrow.