I figured, if I failed, I’d tried something that I hadn’t tried before and if one movie was going to destroy my career than I didn’t have much of a career to start with. I just went for it. God willing I wasn’t over the top and didn’t embarrass myself.

Meaning of the quote

This quote is about taking risks and not being afraid to try new things, even if you might fail. The actress, Elizabeth Pena, is saying that if she tried something different and it didn't work out, it wouldn't have really hurt her career because she didn't have a big career to begin with. She decided to just go for it and try something new, and she hoped that she wouldn't be too over-the-top or embarrass herself in the process. The quote encourages young people to not be afraid to take a chance and do something they haven't done before, even if they might not succeed, because it's better to try than to never know what could have happened.

About Elizabeth Pena

Elizabeth Maria Penawas an American actress. Her work in films included Nothing like the Holidays, Batteries Not Included, La Bamba, Down and Out in Beverly Hills, Jacob’s Ladder, Rush Hour, The Incredibles, and Lone Star, for which she won the 1996 Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female and a Bravo Award for Outstanding Actress in a Feature Film.

More about the author

More quotes from Elizabeth Pena

It’s a clique and I think a clique exists in every business. There’s a circle of people that are guaranteed to open a movie and we all know their names and whether they’re right or wrong for the role.

Elizabeth Pena

American actress (1959-2014)

I figured, if I failed, I’d tried something that I hadn’t tried before and if one movie was going to destroy my career than I didn’t have much of a career to start with. I just went for it. God willing I wasn’t over the top and didn’t embarrass myself.

Elizabeth Pena

American actress (1959-2014)

It was a lot of pressure, but I loved working with Tim and I loved working with Adrian.

Elizabeth Pena

American actress (1959-2014)

When I got Jacob’s Latter, I was nervous because I felt I wasn’t allowed to fail. I felt that they were waiting for one little failure and that would prove them right and I’d be,”out of there.”

Elizabeth Pena

American actress (1959-2014)

When I’m not working, my family and I have a house in the San Juan Islands. We’ve been here since ’94.

Elizabeth Pena

American actress (1959-2014)

The work is getting the work.

Elizabeth Pena

American actress (1959-2014)

Every time I work with a European director, I find they hire the person that captures the spirit of the role. Americans tend to hire the best face. The person that looks more like the role, whether they can perform the role or not is a bonus.

Elizabeth Pena

American actress (1959-2014)

I believe the director is the one that sets the mood and if you have this hysterical director it’s a domino effect. I would work for him forever, for nothing. Don’t tell my agent that.

Elizabeth Pena

American actress (1959-2014)

Sayles could pull a performance out of a dog. I’m serious. He was just amazing. The world could fall apart and he remained on neutral.

Elizabeth Pena

American actress (1959-2014)

I love acting. When I’m acting I feel like I’m on vacation. I’m just having a wonderful time. The nightmare is just getting the work to happen.

Elizabeth Pena

American actress (1959-2014)