I wouldn't go up on a stage now if you paid a thousand dollars for one minute of acting. It's a nasty experience. You're up there all by yourself. You're so damn exposed.
There is only one thing I respect in so-called Broadway actors... and that is their competitive sense.
I value peace when it is not bought at the price of fundamental decencies.
Very often the Group actor is a critic when he's acting and an actor when he's criticizing.
I was not what you'd call a first-class actor, but I did all right.
I used to spend most of my time straining to be a nice guy so people would like me.
The Communists automatically violated the daily practices of democracy to which I was accustomed.
I was the hero of the young insurgent working class art movement.
The first thing you should do with an actor is not sign a contract with him. Take him to dinner. And take him for a walk afterwards.
For years after I resigned, I was still faithful to their way of thinking. But not in the American Communists.
The belief that the good in American society will finally win out... I don't believe any more.
You've got to keep fighting - you've got to risk your life every six months to stay alive.
I'm small, but I'm neither compliant nor agreeable.
Acting... was the biggest charge I ever had. What other artist has it so good? Approval so quick?
I was not a collective person or a bohemian; I was an elitist.
Every fighter has one fight that makes or breaks him.
You have to remind people of their own struggles. It's a responsibility.
The makers of entertainment must try, in our field, to be honest and grown-up.
The world was like a huge red carpet out ahead of me to be walked on. And it stretched on and on, no end.
Whatever hysteria exists is inflamed by mystery, suspicion and secrecy. Hard and exact facts will cool it.