Who said "There are no small parts, just small actors."?

Question

Have you noticed that everyone quotes this, but no one seems to know who said it? I read it was Ed Wynn, but I have no other proof to back it up. Personally, I think it's a stupid quote, and is only used by someone important to condone someone who's an extra, or an extra justifying their small part. Feel free to tell me what you think of the quote, for or against?

Additional Details

I recently typed the question on thinkexist.com, and I read the earliest the quote appeared was in 1898 by Konstantin Stanislavsky. But then again, he could have quoted someone else, just like Milan Kundera quoted it from Stanislavinsky. But from what I can tell, all sources seem to point to Russia. Figures.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Stanislavsky, the creator of The Method

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

I haven't found any other sources saying earlier, so Stanislavsky takes the day. But more than likely, someone else said it even earlier, but it wasn't recorded. Works for me.

Answer 2

Wasn't it Shakespeare that said the quote?

Answer 3

I thought it was either Dustin Hoffman or Al Pacino referring to their success despite being a small man, other than the usual 'Hollywood Hunk'.
,

Answer 4

Dunno, but there must have been something in the water there. There are supporting and minor roles. All actors try!!!

Answer 5

A small actor.

Answer 6

a very smart person. everyone knows this phrase, even people who aren't into theatre

Answer 7

I thought it was W.C Fields.
Then again.
I don't think it was an actor. Sounds more like something
a director would say.

Answer 8

It was originally said by Milan Kundera, a Czech novelist, playwright and poet. Born 1929. Wrote "The Unbearable Lightness of Being."

I think it is a very astute remark. It means that, no matter how small the role, a really good actor can make something of it. That doesn't mean mugging, or drawing focus away from the main action. But one line - even one word - spoken with conviction, and coming from a place of truth, can elevate a small role to something that seems much larger.

An example would be Dame Judi Dench in "Shakespeare in Love." As Elizabeth I, she had only a few moments of screen time. But watch what she does with it: every word, every breath, every arch of an eyebrow speaks volumes. That was great acting in a tiny role. And that's what Kundera was referring to.

Source(s):

in the biz