Carroll O'Connor Quotations

Sheer flattery got me into the theater. Flattery always works with me, particularly the flattery of women.

I hate pride, but if I were going to be proud of anything it would have to be something I'd done myself. Race pride is kind of stupid.

I enjoyed in every way my 12 years of playing Archie, and I wasn't personally sad about finishing a long job.

Even a true artist does not always produce art.

Nations have come under the control of haters and fools.

Millions of people thought Archie was a happy hero.

My Irish derivation has nothing to do with me. Why should it?

Talent can be developed, gift is God-given. But artists have both.

I do talk less now because the sound of my voice saying over and over the things I said years ago embarrasses and depresses me. Why do I say the same things over and over?

Some people thought we were presenting Archie as a false character. President Nixon thought we were making a fool out of a good man.

The reviewer is a singularly detested enemy because he is, unlike the hapless artist, invulnerable.

Both my brothers became physicians and I, of course, wandered into a business where the undisciplined are welcome.

It seems that entertainment is what most excites us and what we value above everything else.

Conventional show-biz savvy held that Americans hated to be the objects of satire.

One irreducible residual of 38 years in the business is the number of lasting, loving friendships I have made.

Those offers come in now and again. They're not knocking down my door. I'm only an old character actor, and I'm not needed.

It was a lack of system that made the '30s Depression as inevitable as all others previously suffered.

Vulgar and obscene, the papers run rumors daily about people in show business, tales of wicked ways and witless affairs.

All in the Family was intellectual; it was art.

In a capitalist society, persons who create capital, like Michael Eisner, are given the staggering rewards.

We don't really need reviewers, just first-night reporters who will tell us faithfully whether or not the audience liked the show.

I have heard show business characterized as a refuge for childlike persons in flight from all things harsh and real.

Half the pictures directed by men of reputation fail.

My professional life in Hollywood has been filled with joy and laughter.

I've run into some S.O.B. directors, but I gave them back as good as I got.

I'm lucky. Lord, I'm lucky.

Not all celebrities are dunces.

Nothing but the heart can change the heart.

People see Archie Bunker everywhere. Particularly girls; poor girls, rich girls, all kinds of girls are always coming up to me and telling me that Archie is just like their dad.

The wages of pedantry is pain.

Get between your kid and drugs, any way you can, if you want to save the kid's life.

It's the character that is the strongest that God gives the most challenges to. Take your struggles as a compliment.

I've run into some S.O.B. directors, but I gave them back as good as I got.