I choose movies, I never choose roles. I look at the script. I look at the director. I look at the other actors – and then the role.

Meaning of the quote

When Elle Macpherson decides to be in a movie, she doesn't focus on just the role she'll play. Instead, she looks at the whole picture - the script, the director, and the other actors. She wants to make sure the entire movie is a good fit for her before she agrees to be in it. This way, she can make the best choices and create a great performance.

About Elle Macpherson

Elle Macpherson, an Australian model, businesswoman, television host, and actress, is known for her record five cover appearances for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and her successful business ventures, including Elle Macpherson Intimates and The Body. She has also appeared in various films and had a recurring role on the TV show Friends.

More about the author

More quotes from Elle Macpherson

I like to make movies I like to watch.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

I eat like a horse!

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

If I have a choice between putting my kids to bed and going to a party, I’ll put my kids to bed. If I have a choice of going to a restaurant or having friends round, I’ll have friends round. Every time.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

Anyway, I believe you don’t fix the inside by putting something on the outside.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

Acting and modeling have nothing to do with each other.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

It’s not vanity to feel you have a right to be beautiful. Women are taught to feel we’re not good enough, that we must live up to someone else’s standards. But my aim is to cherish myself as I am.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

I don’t believe we own our children, they’re their own souls who make their own choices, we just guide and support them.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

Focusing on the way I look makes me uncomfortable. I try to focus on the way I feel – I know what makes me feel better about myself. Reading my child a story makes me feel great, doing my hair nicely doesn’t.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

I don’t like everybody knowing what I’m doing, unless it’s related to a movie. I don’t like speaking to the press. I never did.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

People in the fashion industry have used the press a lot more than people in the film industry, because you have nothing to sell except for the image: The image is everything.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

For me, just being on the cover of a magazine wasn’t enough. I began to think, what value is there in doing something in which you have no creative input?

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

For a while I was on the cover of every Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, which was regarded as the pinnacle of success in America.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

You know, Mamet is not a huge writer of female parts. Most of his movies don’t even have women in them, so I’m lucky I’m in it at all.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

I wanted so badly to study ballet, but it was really all about wearing the tutu.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

I used to wear heels because I wanted to show people I wasn’t ashamed of being tall. But I don’t wear them any more because you don’t have to wear heels to be beautiful. I can’t even remember the last time I wore heels.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

As long as people want to see me in movies, and as long as I find it interesting, I’ll keep working.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

But I do know focusing on the exterior doesn’t make me happy. If I want peace and serenity, it won’t be reached by getting thinner or fatter.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

I’ve done all this stuff because it’s fun. It’s never been about fame.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

I feel beautiful when I’m at peace with myself. When I’m serene, when I’m a good person, when I’ve been considerate of others.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

Being a public person doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a piece of meat for everybody.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

I went to America on holiday when I was 17 and, before I knew it, I’d been signed up by an agency and had these obligations I didn’t understand, but which I couldn’t say no to. This industry chose me. But I did choose to make it fulfilling.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

You check to see the facts are correct where business is concerned but if I read everything that was written about me, I’d end up feeling totally insecure about myself.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

Having children is my greatest achievement. It was my saviour. It switched my focus from the outside to the inside. My children are gifts, they remind me of what’s important.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

I choose movies, I never choose roles. I look at the script. I look at the director. I look at the other actors – and then the role.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

The image is where you have dinner at night, who you’re seeing. It’s what car you drive and how you dress. People in the industry sell that, and it creates a dream. There’s nothing else.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

A celebrity name is never enough for an intelligent mass market… truly successful businesses are born of passion and heartfelt interest.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist

I just happen to like the work. I like preparing for a role. I like reading. I like analyzing. I like literature. I like emotions. I like working with other actors.

Elle Macpherson

Australian model, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist