Every person has a story, and despite knowing this, there are moments when we may feel alone in our struggles as we navigate through our daily lives. But when we go to the theater, turn on the TV or watch a movie, we can be moved to laughter and tears in minutes thanks to the extraordinary talents of actors pouring themselves into their characters and the storylines.
“I feel like telling stories is a spiritual exercise, and I think that it’s something that we need as a culture and as humans,” Holly Hunter says. “You put your nightmares up there, you put your dreams up there, and people can see them better because they can stand outside of it and recognize themselves inside it.”
Through the work of actors, we discover we’re not alone in our struggles, dreams, curiosities, joys, longings, fears, shame and doubts. Their heartfelt performances can help us broaden our understanding of ourselves and others, make us want to do better and be resilient through the tough times, whether it be by wanting to be more like certain characters or distinctly less like others. As Stella Adler once said, “Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one.”
The Actor’s Job
Here are quotes reflecting the actor’s ability to tap into the depths of the human spirit, explore the range of human emotions and experiences and connect with the universal aspects of our shared humanity. Through performing, actors have the opportunity to illuminate the richness and complexity of the human spirit.
“Acting is the opportunity to live many lives. The actor can portray a king or a pauper, a soldier or a child, the lover or the villain. Through the art of acting, we can tap into the vast spectrum of the human spirit.” —Viola Davis
“If any of the work that any of us do contributes to the stretching of culture, the stretching of boundaries of empathy that’s expected of an audience … that’s the holy grail.” —Riz Ahmed
“The beauty of acting is that it allows us to dive deep into the recesses of the human spirit. It’s a journey of self-discovery and empathy, where we can illuminate the universal truths that connect us all.” —Cate Blanchett
“Performing is a celebration of the human spirit. It’s about delving into the complexities of our existence, unraveling the layers of emotion, and revealing the essence of what it means to be human.” —Anthony Hopkins
The Humanity of the Actor
Every actor has a story about a performance that made them initially want to become an actor. It’s a profound moment that connects the humanity of the performer to that of the aspiring actor.
Acting coach Larry Moss recalls the instant in which he knew he wanted to pursue acting—watching James Dean in East of Eden. “Well, if you’ve ever seen East of Eden, I think you all know the impact of James Dean on the adolescents at the time. In life post-World War II, the sons kind of left the fathers; there was this schism between fathers and sons. And I certainly had it with my dad. He was a businessman, he traveled a great deal, I didn’t see him a lot. And it’s too complicated to go into other than to say I watched James Dean express extraordinarily the pain of not being able to make contact, and the puritanical father not seeing his yearning for the closeness. And it was very much like my own experience, and he was so alive, James Dean; he was so sensitive and so free physically…. There’s a moment where he’s on a train and he’s very cold and he takes his sweater, and he tries to warm up his arms. His physical expression of his inner world was unlike anybody I had ever seen, and it shocked me, and it scared me, and it made me feel that acting was an important experience for the audience, that it wasn’t just about narcissism. It wasn’t just about look at me; it was about storytelling. And so, James Dean broke my heart, opened my heart, got me off my a**,” Moss told 16th Street Actors Studio.
For other actors, the inspiration could emerge while watching powerful performances in the musical Les Misérables, or the films Life Is Beautiful or The Pursuit of Happiness. Such performances ignite their desire to join in on the creativity and move audiences alike. As Constantin Stanislavski said, “The main factor in any form of creativeness is the life of a human spirit, that of the actor and his part, their joint feelings and subconscious creation.”
Beware of That Which Can Harm the Human Spirit
Here are a few quotes highlighting various obstacles that can hinder the human spirit.
“The greatest enemy of the human spirit is fear. It has the power to paralyze us, to hold us back from taking risks and embracing our true potential as artists.” —Denzel Washington
“The enemy of the human spirit is conformity. We must resist the pressure to conform to societal expectations and instead embrace our individuality and authenticity.” —Viola Davis
“Negativity is the enemy of the human spirit. Surround yourself with positivity, with people who uplift and inspire you. Choose to focus on the good, and it will fuel your creativity and drive.” —Natalie Portman
“Every reiteration of the idea that nothing matters debases the human spirit.” —David Mamet
“I always try to balance the light with the heavy—a few tears of human spirit in with the sequins and the fringes.” —Bette Midler
Oh, wait, how’d that last one get in there?
Which moments on stage or film have profoundly impacted you as a performer?
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