An audience is so important. I would never have had the guts to dub in that big a laugh.
Meaning of the quote
The quote means that Desi Arnaz, the American actor, believed having an audience was crucial for his performance. He felt he would not have had the courage to add a very loud laugh to his acting without the presence of an audience. The audience's reaction and energy inspired him to take risks and express himself more fully in his acting.
About Desi Arnaz
Desi Arnaz was a Cuban-American actor, musician, producer, and bandleader who played Ricky Ricardo on the iconic TV sitcom I Love Lucy. He co-founded the production company Desilu Productions and was known for his Latin group, the Desi Arnaz Orchestra, as well as popularizing the conga line in the United States.
More quotes from Desi Arnaz
The thing I remember about New York was how little I felt. I arrived with one small bag and $15.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
When we got married, nobody gave it more than two weeks. There were bets all over the country, with astronomical odds against us.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
I went to high school with Al Capone.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
One of my biggest problems with comedy was that I did not understand some of the jokes.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
Nobody bats 500. We all make mistakes.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
Failure is the most terrible thing in our business. When we fail, the whole world knows about it.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
A single prop that does not look real to an audience can louse you up. The same is true of the smallest flaw in setting up the motivation in a story line.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
Lucy and I would love furiously and fight furiously.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
I learned a lot from Xavier Cugat.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
An audience is so important. I would never have had the guts to dub in that big a laugh.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
American people have the ability to laugh at themselves. It is one of the things that makes this country the great country that it is.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
Since I was very young I have always worked hard at whatever I have had to do.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
An actor who is good at comedy can also be very good at drama, but not necessarily vice versa.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
Al Jolson was one of the greatest entertainers who ever lived.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
Motion-picture studio floors used to be all wooden and not smooth at all. This was difficult when moving a camera around on a dolly.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
The success of I Love Lucy is something that happens only once in a lifetime, if you are fortunate enough to have it happen at all.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
My Latin temper blows up pretty fast, but it goes down just as fast. Maybe that’s why you seldom hear of ulcers in Latin America.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
At times we were criticized for doing too much slapstick. I don’t believe in mild comedy, and neither does Lucy.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
Drinking intensifies all your pressures and your needs.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
Everyone seemed to be doing well except me and my career. And my accent was no helping me any.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
Good things do not come easy. The road is lined with pitfalls.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
I don’t think anyone can tell you what it is that makes you a star.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
Joe McCarthy and his Senate hearings were like witch-hunts.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
Lucy is such a perfectionist.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
The way the Army does things is sometimes a little strange.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
I learned a lot in those first years in Miami, while struggling just for survival, by observing my father’s fortitude.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)
I had started calling her Lucy shortly after we met; I didn’t like the name Lucille. That’s how our television show was called I Love Lucy, not Lucille.
Cuban-born American musician, actor and television producer (1917-1986)