Laurence Olivier

Film & Theater England 1907 – 1989 93 quotes

Legendary stage and screen performer in Hamlet and Henry V, Olivier delivered quotable Shakespearean soliloquies with unmatched gravitas.

Quotes by Laurence Olivier

Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.

Speech 1970

Theater demands that you bare your soul.

Interview 1935

Life's tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.

Interview 1980

Shakespeare knew the human heart better than any psychologist.

Speech 1950

I have lived a thousand lives through my roles.

Autobiography excerpt 1975

Humor is the instinct for taking pain playfully.

Interview 1965

Directing is creating a world where actors can shine.

Speech 1940

Acting is believing.

Interview 1930

Peace is its own reward.

Speech 1945

The stage is my home, the audience my family.

Interview 1960

Wisdom comes with winters.

Interview 1985

Film captures a moment, theater lives it.

Speech 1970

My last words? Keep going.

Deathbed 1989