Acting Success: Quote Me!

by Bob Fraser

(Originally published on the web as, "I Quote Myself, Sorta.")

This week I thought I'd do another set of great quotes and I was hard at work, doing research (finding quotes that are applicable to acting is not like finding pebbles on the beach, believe me), and sweating my self imposed deadline ... when I came across this oldie but goodie:

"The immature writer suffers, the mature writer steals."

Actually that's not an accurate quote, but it fits with the theme today.

See, I've decided that today I will indulge in a little unabashed plagiarism.

And so, I offer you my "rewrites" of some classic and not so classic quotations – slanted, naturally, to our narrow show biz interests.

"Pursuing success in show business is like boxing ... talent is a good left jab – but character, persistence, hard work and planning are the knock-out punches. Being likable is the fancy footwork." Bob Fraser

"Acting is not emotional. It is the ability to re-create the emotion in the audience's heart that defines the craft." Bob Fraser

"The biggest lies you will every hear in show business begin with the words, 'In this town ...'" Bob Fraser

"The most encouraging thing about show business is to see folks not as talented as yourself, who have gotten to the top through conscious endeavor." Bob Fraser

"Happiness is not a red-carpet you are going to arrive at someday. It's a way of making the trip." Bob Fraser

"There is nothing new in show business -- except talent." Bob Fraser

"It's impossible to become a movie star. Which is probably why so few people try it." Bob Fraser

"The secret to popularity in show business is just this: Be very nice to everyone before lunch. The rest of the day will take care of itself." Bob Fraser

"The first, and greatest, law of show business is: Don't let them scare you." Bob Fraser

"Success in show business is not so much a matter of what cards you've been dealt as it is playing them like a Royal Flush." Bob Fraser

"Happiness is doing what you like and making a fortune." Bob Fraser

"There is nothing more irritating than a person with less talent and more success than we have." Bob Fraser

"Fraser's Theory: If you pay attention, you can see a lot – just by looking."

"Stardom is all a matter of luck. Ask any extra." Bob Fraser

"The 7 essential ingredients of success in show business are; sincerity, personal integrity, humility, courtesy, wisdom and charity. Wait that's only 6. Oh, right ... tenacity and humor. Hmm. 8. Let's face it, there are a lot of essential ingredients ... like a sense of timing and ... er – – aw, make up your own darn quote!" Bob Fraser

Well, that's all I can come up with now.

Okay, I admit that this is just a clever way of getting my name in print 15 or 16 times.

Anyway, since these are not really "originals," It might be fun to play a game. Where do these "quotes" originate and with whom? No prizes, just for fun.

Or maybe you'd like to "make up" a quote of your own with the help of some minor plagiarism.

It might be amusing.

Go ahead, enjoy your own creativity, petit larceny – and whatever you do ...

... don't quote me.