“If you want to be an actor, my advice is to learn your lines and do…” — Cary Grant

Est. MMXXVI — An Editorial Record

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AttributedWidely reported and consistent with the record, but not yet traced to a primary source.

“If you want to be an actor, my advice is to learn your lines and don’t bump into the other actors.”

Cary Grant · interview

Advice to young actors, in the form it is usually quoted.

Widely repeated; compiled undated on The Ultimate Cary Grant Pages, with no primary publication cited.

On the same subject.

“On The Awful Truth we just clicked. She’d been a weepie star and comedy was strange to her... She was the sweetest smelling of my leading ladies and such a lady.”
Cary Grant · 1980
“I’m prepared. I have a gun and I know how to shoot, and whoever comes calling without an invitation will get it in the rear end.”
Cary Grant · 1964
“I received only a sketchy education by most scholastic standards, lacked confidence and the courage to enjoy life, but on the screen seem to have successfully epitomized an informed, capable and happy man. A series of contradictions too evident to be coincidental.”
Cary Grant · 1963
“You see, when a girl is under 21, she’s protected by law. When she’s over 65, she’s protected by nature. Anywhere in between, she’s fair game! Look out!”
Cary Grant as Lt. Cmdr. Matt T. Sherman · 1959