"In between goals is a thing called life, that has to be lived and enjoyed."
About Sid Caesar
Sid Caesar — Life and Legacy
Sid Caesar was a groundbreaking American comedian and actor, celebrated for his innovative contributions to television comedy in the 1950s. His show, 'Your Show of Shows,' not only entertained millions but also set a new standard for sketch comedy, blending humor with sharp social commentary. Caesar's approach to comedy was rooted in authenticity; he famously stated, 'The secret of comedy is to be honest.' This reflects his belief that genuine emotions resonate deeply with audiences, a principle that guided his performances. His work often challenged existing comedic norms, pushing boundaries and exploring the complexities of human nature. For instance, his improvisational style allowed for spontaneity, demonstrating that creativity flourishes when one is willing to take risks. Caesar's ability to blend humor with poignant insights made his sketches memorable and impactful, revealing the depth of his understanding of both comedy and the human experience. Today, Sid Caesar's quotes and comedic philosophy continue to inspire comedians and audiences alike, reminding us of the power of honesty and creativity in storytelling. His legacy is not just in the laughter he created but in the way he transformed the landscape of television comedy, influencing countless performers who followed in his footsteps.
Quote collection
Sid Caesar quotes
18 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"The things I see now on TV and in movies are so outlandish. Kids doing rude things with pies! And the language that they use! It's being outrageous for the sake of being outrageous. I can't watch it. It turns me off."
"The trouble with telling a good story is that it invariably reminds the other fellow of a dull one."
"The guy who invented the first wheel was an idiot. The guy who invented the other three, he was a genius."
"Comedy has to be based on truth. You take the truth and you put a little curlicue at the end."
"Everybody wants to have a goal - I gotta get to that goal, I gotta get to that goal, I gotta get to that goal. I can finally get to that goal. Then you get to that goal, and then you gotta get to another goal. But in between goals is a thing called life, that has to be lived and enjoyed - and if you don't, you're a fool."
"If you can't stand yourself, neither can anybody else!"
"A great NOW will be a great WAS! A bad NOW will always be a bad WAS, and all you can hope for is a Great GONNA BE!"
"The best thing about humour is that it shows people they are not alone."
"If you have no tragedy, you have no comedy. Crying and laughing are the same emotion. If you laugh too hard, you cry. And vice versa."
"People come up to me and they thank me: 'I thank you for the many, many hours of laughter.'"
"Jazz is a beautiful woman whose older brother is a policeman."
"When I did comedy I made fun of myself. If there was a buffoon, I played the buffoon. And people looked at me and said, "Gee, that's like Uncle David", or "That's like a friend of mine.". And they related through that. I didn't make fun of them. I made fun of me."
"Every language has its own music."
"If I don't believe it, I don't care."
"After all those years of doing a live, hour-and-a-half show every week, I've got nothing more I need to prove."
"When I did comedy I made fun of myself. If there was a buffoon, I played the buffoon."
"If you listen to a language for 15 minutes, you know the rhythm and song."