"I was changing a light bulb over Groucho Marx's bed, so I took my shoes off, got on his bed and changed the bulb. When I got off the bed he said: 'That's the best acting you've ever done."
About Elliott Gould
Elliott Gould — Life and Legacy
Elliott Gould is a prominent American actor celebrated for his unique contributions to film and television, particularly in the 1970s. His role in 'M*A*S*H' not only showcased his comedic talent but also reflected a deeper commentary on the absurdities of war and human nature. Gould's approach to acting emphasizes authenticity, as he often challenges the norms of Hollywood stardom. One of his notable quotes, 'I think the best thing you can do is to be yourself,' encapsulates his belief in the power of individuality. This perspective is evident in his diverse roles, where he often portrays characters that defy conventional expectations. His work invites audiences to consider the complexities of identity and the importance of remaining true to oneself, even in the face of societal pressures. Today, Gould's insights continue to resonate, particularly in discussions about self-expression and authenticity in an era dominated by social media and curated personas. His legacy lies not just in his performances but in his unwavering commitment to personal integrity and artistic honesty.
Quote collection
Elliott Gould quotes
13 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"There's nothing more arrogant or conceited than youth, and there's nothing other than machinery that can replace youth."
"I do know people and there are people in my family who have had Alzheimer's and dementia, and I appreciate the importance of communication and having contact with them. Communicating is an interesting thing with a condition like that. Sometimes it's difficult to communicate. If the brain becomes atrophied or certain channels of the brain become atrophied, then contact is what becomes really important."
"My problem was I let myself become known before I knew myself."
"I find it so easy to get distracted - I try not to do more than one thing at any one time."
"Quitters don't win and winners don't quit."
"I thoroughly believe in evolution, and how we evolve and how our physical being is affected by time and use and by the environment... it's more than just challenging, it can be terrifying. We all struggle, but I think it's important to be there for one another."
"My take on celebrity is simply that some of us have to make a bigger fool of ourselves than others."
"Groucho Marx, in his later days, gave me the best review I've ever had and probably will ever have. I changed a light bulb over his bed, and when I came off of his bed with the used one after putting the new one in, Groucho said, 'That's the best acting I've ever seen you do.'"
"I believe in evolution and I think when it comes to business and the roots of business and the fundamentals of business, I don't think that ever changes. I think the idea of change is an illusion, but in nature it's necessary to change and perhaps business is a part of nature. I'm not totally sure."
"I was a tap dancer as a child, so I understand precision and repetition."
"There's so many people dependent on our work for their living or their livelihood. You do something whether it works or whether it doesn't. Once you're committed and you do it, it becomes a part of your life. I wouldn't be sorry about it. I'd learn from it."
"My greatest fear is to be misunderstood."