I don’t want to be a star. If you have to label me anything, I’m an actor – I guess. A journeyman actor. I think ‘star’ is what you call actors who can’t act.
Meaning of the quote
The quote is saying that Paul Muni does not want to be considered a famous Hollywood star. Instead, he sees himself as a hard-working actor who can truly perform well, rather than an actor who is famous just for being famous. He believes that the word "star" is used to describe actors who are not very good at their craft, but become famous anyway. Muni prefers to be known as a skilled, experienced actor rather than a big-name celebrity.
About Paul Muni
Paul Muni was an American stage and film actor known for his powerful performances and intense preparation. He won an Academy Award for his role in The Story of Louis Pasteur and a Tony Award for his performance in Inherit the Wind. Muni often played challenging characters and was highly skilled in makeup techniques, which he learned from his acting family.
More quotes from Paul Muni
Nature’s far too subtle to repeat herself.
Austrian-born American stage and film actor (1895-1967)
I’ve never tried to learn the art of acting. I have been in the business for years but I still can’t tell what acting is or how it’s done.
Austrian-born American stage and film actor (1895-1967)
I’m about as Chinese as Herbert Hoover.
Austrian-born American stage and film actor (1895-1967)
A writer can write in an attic, or on top of a bus. Or with a sharp stick in some wet cement. To act, an actor has to have words. A stage. a camera turning.
Austrian-born American stage and film actor (1895-1967)
I don’t want to be a star. If you have to label me anything, I’m an actor – I guess. A journeyman actor. I think ‘star’ is what you call actors who can’t act.
Austrian-born American stage and film actor (1895-1967)