And I did Batman, too. I did Mr. Freeze. I get more mail for him than anything I’ve ever done.

Meaning of the quote

Eli Wallach, an American actor, explained that he played different characters in his career, including Batman and Mr. Freeze. However, he received more fan mail for his portrayal of Mr. Freeze than for any other role he had ever done. This suggests that his performance as the icy villain Mr. Freeze was particularly memorable and resonated with audiences more than his other acting work.

About Eli Wallach

Eli Wallach was an acclaimed American actor who enjoyed a prolific career spanning over six decades. He received numerous accolades, including a BAFTA Award, a Tony Award, and an Emmy Award, and was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame. Wallach was known for his versatile character acting, appearing in a wide range of films, television shows, and stage productions throughout his illustrious career.

More about the author

More quotes from Eli Wallach

I met my wife and, for the next ten years, we did no films at all. She did the first movie and then I did several after. My first movie was written by Tennessee Williams and directed by Kazan and was called Baby Doll.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

Well, I go to the theater today, and its curtain – there is no curtain in this play; the lights go down and go up – and we start. And I live this character for two hours. There are only two of us in the play. And It’s a complete experience.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

I always end up being the evil one, and I wouldn’t hurt a fly.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

But I went to the University of Texas in the 30s, and while there I learned to ride. Mostly polo ponies.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

I never dreamed I would do Westerns.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

Well, I was getting a lot of money then, and I wasn’t getting any Hollywood films, so I just did those. I’d always do a play in between. Whenever I ran low on funds, I’d always rush off to do a movie somewhere.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

I never lost my appetite for acting.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

When you have to shoot, shoot, don’t talk.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

This country has a complex about age. It’s unbelievable. If you’re over thirty, you’ve had it in this country.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

I always wanted to tell stories and act.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

I was an original member of the Actors’ Studio.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

My wife says that stage acting is like being on a tightrope with no net, and being in the movies, there is a net – because you stop and go over it again. It’s very technical and mechanical. On stage you’re on your own.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

John Huston was a superb master. He knew how to make good films. I did three things with him. One is called Independence. It plays in Philadelphia, for free. It’s been playing there for 25 years.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

And then the first was The Misfits, which I enjoyed very much, with Marilyn and Gable.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

Yes, I won the Bafta. I thought the British were very intelligent.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

And I did Batman, too. I did Mr. Freeze. I get more mail for him than anything I’ve ever done.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

And that movie was underrated – Nuts – because it deals with a terrible subject, but It’s very well done.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

So I wanted to show what I did with the money. So I got red silk shirts, beautiful hats, wonderful saddles, a great horse, and two gold teeth. So that was the way I did it.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

When I saw the movie, I said, I wish I had heard the music. I would have ridden the horse differently.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

Even if I don’t want to slow down, I’m slowing down.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

I’ve learned that life is very tricky business: Each person needs to find what they want to do in life and not be dissuaded when people question them.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

What is it in my makeup that makes me grab any offer and fly around the world? Will I ever be satisfied? Can’t I ever just rest?

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

I’d come out of the army after five years as a medic. I was a medical administrator and we ran hospitals, and I was a Captain in the army at the end, in 1945.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

I love to tell stories and this is my way of getting them down on paper.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

Everyone thinks acting is easy. It’s far from easy, but it’s the most gratifying thing I do.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

The trouble with that movie is that you had to see Chinatown the day before you saw The Two Jakes.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

One thing changes every evening: It’s the audience, and I’m working my magic. I’m always learning from it.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

But Clint I love, because Clint was my mentor. I knew nothing about making an Italian movie.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

The big secret in acting is listening to people.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

I’ve worked with wonderful actors like Marlon Brando and Henry Fonda.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

My first Western was called The Magnificent Seven.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

Having the critics praise you is like having the hangman say you’ve got a pretty neck.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

I’ve never lost my appetite for acting; it’s innovative and challenging.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

Well, I’ve maybe gotten 200 requests for interviews about Marilyn, and I just decided I’m gonna do my own.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)

All of these stories bounced around in my mind for a long time.

Eli Wallach

American actor (1915-2014)