We have as many planes of speech as does a painting planes of perspective which create perspective in a phrase. The most important word stands out most vividly defined in the very foreground of the sound plane. Less important words create a series of deeper planes.

Unless the theatre can ennoble you, make you a better person, you should flee from it.

All action in theatre must have inner justification, be logical, coherent, and real.

Remember this practical piece of advice: Never come into the theatre with mud on your feet. Leave your dust and dirt outside. Check your little worries, squabbles, petty difficulties with your outside clothing - all the things that ruin your life and draw your attention away from your art - at the door.

In spite of my great admiration for individual splendid talents I do not accept the star system. Collective creative effort is the root of our kind of art. That requires ensemble acting and whoever mars that ensemble is committing a crime not only against his comrades but also against the very art of which he is the servant.

I was born an ordinary actor. I will die an ordinary actor. But I've persisted.

All art is autobiographical - if it's not, it's not going to quicken on-stage, and it's not going to come alive.