Gena Rowlands

“Acting is a great release. You can be someone you're not.”

“I think it's very important to have a life outside of acting. You need to have other interests.”

“I'm not a Method actor. I'm a kind of 'what you see is what you get' actor.”

“I think love is the most important thing in the world. It's what makes us human.”

“I've been a fascinated observer of people's lives, and that's the source of my characters.”

“I never thought about being a star. I just wanted to be a good actress.”

“You learn to be a professional, and you learn to do your job. You don't get hysterical.”

“I don't mind getting older. It's a privilege.”

“Working with John [Cassavetes] was like being in a creative whirlwind. He pushed you to your limits.”

“I like any story that has a glimmer of hope in it. I don't like stories that are just downers.”

“I've always been more interested in what happens to people when they're not in the limelight.”

“The most important thing for an actor is to be a good listener. You have to really listen to what the other person is saying.”

“I don't think I'm a diva. I'm just a person who knows what she wants.”

“I’m interested in women’s stories. I’m interested in what happens to them.”

“I think it's a mistake to ever look back. You have to look forward.”

“Fear is a great motivator. It makes you work harder.”