Paul Scofield Quotes

United Kingdom, Actor
January 21, 1922 – March, 19, 2008.

David Paul Scofield CH CBE was an English actor of stage and screen who was known for his striking presence, distinctive voice, and for the clarity and effortless intensity of his delivery. Regarded as one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of all time, Scofield preferred the stage over film. This, and his decision to put his family first, has meant that he has never been as well known outside the United Kingdom as some other actors.

Also known as Stage Actor

I found at this point that effective acting wasn't what I wanted to do, that I didn't want to make effects, that I wanted, as it were, to leave an impression of a particular kind of human being.

Paul Scofield
As you get older, the more you know, so the more nervous you become. The risks are much bigger.

Paul Scofield
- Know
- Risks
- Older

King Lear is undoubtedly the greatest play ever written by Shakespeare - or anybody else for that matter. Hamlet is certainly great, but it doesn't contain as many elements of humanity as we see in Lear.

Paul Scofield
- Play
- Humanity
- Greatest
Privacy is not negotiable.

Paul Scofield
- Privacy
- Negotiable
I should in fairness add that my taste in music is reputedly deplorable.

Paul Scofield
- Music
- Taste
- Deplorable
The Actor should make you forget the existence of author and director, and even forget the actor.

Paul Scofield
- Actor
- Forget
- Existence
I decided a long time ago I didn't want to be a star personality and live my life out in public. I don't think it's a good idea to wave personality about like a flag and become labeled.

Paul Scofield
- Want
- Personality
- Public
It isn't difficult to leave King Lear or Macbeth, but once you have gone back to yourself, you want it to be the same self you have always been.

Paul Scofield

A book is worth a few francs; we Germans can afford to destroy those. We all may not appreciate artistic merit, but cash value is another matter.

Paul Scofield
- Book
- Value
- Merit