When out of character, actors of all ages have the opportunity to answer questions and share their thoughts on a variety of topics. These can include the approach they take to their work, social issues, or how they feel about the characteristics of performing and the film industry. Below is a list of quotes (related to the above areas) from several professional actors, who are veterans of this craft.

But I don’t think it helps to be thought of as a scene-stealer. That’s not comforting for the other actors. They think, ‘Well, I don’t want to work with him. Go steal from someone else.’ So I’m never going into a movie thinking that I want to grab the attention. Quite the opposite: I give that stuff away because I’m wanting to make the best whole piece…I want to be a part of great things.

~ Don Cheadle

[on creating a characterization] The intention is always the same. To try to discover life in its entirety, or at least create for yourself the illusion that you have, which might give you some chance of convincing other people of it. It’s the same thing each time, but it requires totally different work in the process of achieving that. You are set on a path that’s strewn with obstacles, but getting over them is the joy of the work. So it’s impossible to think in terms of difficulty: it all seems utterly impossible, but the pleasure is in trying to forge ahead anyway.

~ Daniel Day-Lewis

I am a feminist because I love women and I am ready to fight for women. I am a feminist because I am proud to be a woman, and I am passionate about making the world a better place for women. I am a feminist because a lot of amazing women have made me the woman I am today. I am inspired by women every day, as friends and as colleagues.

~ Salma Hayek

I’m so proud of my heritage, but yes, I think there’s always a danger when people put you on a pedestal. Especially when you’re just trying to live your life and pursue your dreams. The intention is not to represent Asian Americans, but to be an Asian American who is working as an actress. People often confuse the two. When you are “representing,” you have the burden of some people projecting their hopes onto you. This can eventually lead to a certain amount of disappointment. I strive to not deny myself experiences that open up to me. I hope to live without looking back in regret. If people want to join me on the ride, then I’m happy to have them along.

~ Lucy Liu

[on mental illness] It is an odd paradox that a society, which can now speak openly and unabashedly about topics that were once unspeakable, still remains largely silent when it comes to mental illness. Illnesses that were once discussed only in hushed tones are now part of healthy conversation and activism. Yet when it comes to bipolar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, or depression, an uncharacteristic coyness takes over. We often say nothing. And so we marginalize the people who most need our acceptance.

~ Glenn Close

Nobody ever encouraged me in this business. I encouraged myself. I was a very…shy child. I was the last person you would expect to be a success in this business. But I always felt if I kept going something would happen. But I even surprised myself at times. When I was doing ensemble theatre and comedy work, I felt I had some talents. But when I started doing my shows in Berkeley and found that I could be funny on my own, I was shocked.

~ Whoopi Goldberg

It’s very difficult if you want to do those movies within structures that are based in commercial issues. You can do movies like that if you go in the independent world…I’m not criticizing the studios; they have to do what they have to do. They’re looking for commercial movies, and that’s fantastic and it keeps alive the industry and I think that’s absolutely fine. But if you want to find those types of risks, you have to go to another structure. I think movies serve many purposes; one can be purely entertainment, another can be a reflection of the human spirit, and another goes in another direction, experimental… many, many different purposes. All of them are good. I am not criticizing specifically one way of making movies; this just is the way it is.

~ Antonio Banderas

[on Moira Rose, her character in Schitt’s Creek] The exterior always helps make me feel like someone else. For Moira, I get my hair done, I get my makeup, I get those clothes on. They make me stand differently and walk differently. I explain the voice as souvenirs from all my world travel. I’ve taken a bit of all the people I’ve met in the world and I’m sharing it with you. [Does Moira’s voice.] “Aren’t you lucky?”

~ Catherine O’Hara

With undertaking as many roles and experiences as these actors, one can appreciate the growth in their abilities – much like older individuals in any career or field of interest. It also makes sense that they are striving to become better versions of themselves, a worthwhile goal to have before and after 50 years of age. Readers are invited to explore IMDb to view these quotes, additional ones, and more.