Laurence Olivier Quotes (1907-1989)

“Acting is illusion, as much illusion as magic is — and not so much a matter of being real. I mean, I would probably shock Lee Strasberg.”

“[Asked "So what was the legendary actor really like in the flesh?"] He was so many different things. He could be generous, he could be quite spiteful, he could be, as a performer, quite extraordinary. I don’t think he was a better actor than a lot of his contemporaries but as a performer-magician there was nobody like him. He could pull things out of a hat that just took your breath away.”

“Olivier smoked dope. He claimed that he didn't, but he did. I know because I gave him a joint. He got very mellow.”

“Such subtlety, such detail, biting deeper into the role than any actor of my time, or indeed any time.”

“I'm breaking all the rules, but I have to say you have been my idol. I admit being jealous of an actor. How I would like to have been what you are. How I wish my career had approximated yours. You have never deserted or failed to serve our profession. Sir, to be presented an award by you gives me infinite pride. You, being a Lord, have raised me to a slightly higher position. I don't feel that I'm quite such a commoner. But, more important, I'm Eddie and you're Larry. And how much easier that is.”