AA
Alan Arkin
128quotes
Full Name and Common Aliases
Alan Willinger Arkin was born on March 26, 1934, and is commonly known as Alan Arkin.
Birth and Death Dates
March 26, 1934 – December 31, 2023 (died)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American actor, comedian, director, musician, and singer
Early Life and Background
Alan Arkin was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a family of Jewish immigrants from Poland. His father, David Irwin Arkin, was an unmarried artist who later married his mother, Beatrice (née Weiss). Arkin's childhood was marked by a love for music and comedy, with his parents encouraging his early interests. He grew up in a household that valued creativity and the arts.
Major Accomplishments
Alan Arkin began his career as a musician and singer before transitioning to acting. One of his earliest notable roles was on Broadway in 1957's _The Threepenny Opera_. His breakthrough performance came with the 1963 film _A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum_, for which he received an Academy Award nomination.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Arkin's most iconic roles include:
_The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming_ (1966) - a comedy-drama where he played the lead role of Lt. Rozanov.
_Wait Until Dark_ (1967) - a thriller in which he starred alongside Audrey Hepburn.
* _Catch-22_ (1970) – an anti-war film based on Joseph Heller's novel, in which Arkin played the role of Major Major.
Impact and Legacy
Throughout his long career, Alan Arkin has demonstrated incredible versatility as both an actor and a director. He has directed several films, including _The Edge_ (1997), starring Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin. His work on stage and screen continues to inspire new generations of artists.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Alan Arkin's wit and wisdom have been shared through numerous interviews, public appearances, and written reflections. His observations on life, love, and the creative process offer valuable insights into the human experience.
Quotes by Alan Arkin
Alan Arkin's insights on:
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I used to watch the world as if it was a performance and I would realize that certain things that people did moved me, and certain things didn't move me, and I tried to analyze, even at that age, six and seven and eight, why I was moved by certain things they did.
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TV has taken reflection out of the human condition. People didn't use to have a ready answer for everything, whether they knew something about it or not. People think they have to have an answer for everything because the guys on TV have an answer for everything.
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If you want to be an actor and you love acting, you can do it whether you're doing something else or not. You can be connected with community theater or make your own little movies. But if you want to be a movie star, you've got a tough road ahead of you.
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I'm an actor. My life as an actor depends on who sends me what. I'm just taking the best stuff that I can find that's sent my way, regardless of how big or little the paycheck is.
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I don’t think it does the audience any good to know what I do to prepare. It keeps it more of a surprise. I don’t feel like it has to be a mystery.
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That’s what we’re all doing, all the time, whether we know it or not. Whether we like it or not. Creating something on the spur of the moment with the materials at hand. We might just as well let the rest of it go, join the party, and dance our hearts out.
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All I can say is if the part doesn’t delight me in some way, or I can’t feel any compassion for it, I just can’t do it.
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I used to watch the world as if it was a performance and I would realize that certain things that people did moved me, and certain things didn’t move me, and I tried to analyze, even at that age, six and seven and eight, why I was moved by certain things they did.
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