Hollywood always wanted me to be pretty, but I fought for realism.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker resisted pressure to look conventionally attractive to prioritize truthful, realistic performances.
- In plain terms
- Hollywood wanted me pretty, but I chose realism instead.
- What can you take from it?
- Authenticity matters more than conventional beauty in art.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What defines a realistic performance?
- How much should image matter?
Another view
Some argue beauty and realism can coexist without conflict.
More from Bette Davis
Gay Liberation? I ain't against it, it's just that there's nothing in it for me.
Permalink to quote #18 I am doomed to an eternity of compulsive work. No set goal achieved satisfies. Success only breeds a new goal. The golden apple devoured has seeds. It is endle…
Permalink to quote #20 Gary was a macho man, but none of my husbands was ever man enough to become Mr. Bette Davis.
Permalink to quote #17
Related quotes
I'd like to quit the supernatural roles and play just an interesting, down-to-earth person.
Bela LugosiBela Lugosi quote #5 The blessed damozel lean'd out From the gold bar of Heaven; Her eyes were deeper than the depth Of waters still'd at even; She had three lilies in her hand, An…
Dante Gabriel RossettiDante Gabriel Rossetti quote #1 The ladies of St. James's! They're painted to the eyes; Their white it stays forever Their red it never dies: But Phillida, my Phillida! Her color comes and go…
Henry Austin DobsonHenry Austin Dobson quote #1