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