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About this quote

What does it mean?
Humor often relies on focused effort and craft rather than spontaneous personality.
In plain terms
Comedians are only funny when they are actively performing or writing.
What can you take from it?
Funnyness is work, not just a trait.

Where it applies

  • stand-up comedy
  • writing jokes
  • acting

Putting it to work

  • prepare your material
  • focus on the craft

Questions to consider

  • Is humor a job or a gift?

Another view

Some people find humor effortless in casual conversation.

More from Peter Sellers

  1. If you ask me to play myself, I will not know what to do. I do not know who or what I am.

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  2. To see me as a person on screen would be one of the dullest experiences you could ever wish to experience.

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  3. I writhe when I see myself on the screen. I'm such a dreadfully clumsy hulking image. I say to myself, 'Why doesn't he get off? Why doesn't he get off?' I mean…

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