Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"黑白之间,好角色难求。优秀的演员遇到好机会就有可能成功——没有机会,不管你多优秀都无济于事。"

Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington Actor
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
At its heart, the quote emphasizes that talent alone isn't enough; you need the right opportunities to truly shine. No matter how skilled you are, without the right chances to showcase your abilities, that talent might never be seen or appreciated.

Take the world of acting as an example. Think about the golden age of cinema, when roles for Black actors were either scarce or stereotypical. Despite having immense talent, many Black actors were limited by the opportunities available to them. This quote touches on that — it doesn’t matter how good you are if you don’t get the chance to prove it.

Let’s bring this to life with a more concrete example. Sidney Poitier, one of the most renowned actors in Hollywood, faced a lot of hurdles early in his career. During the 1950s and 1960s, roles for Black actors were still limited and often typecast. But Poitier's talent was undeniable. His big break came with the film "The Defiant Ones" in 1958, where he played a starring role and got the opportunity to showcase his acting prowess. This opportunity allowed him to break out of the restrictive types of roles that were typically available. He went on to win an Academy Award in 1964 for "Lilies of the Field," proving that with the right opportunity, talent can flourish.

Now, how does this translate into advice for the rest of us? For one, it means we should actively seek out or create opportunities if they’re not readily available. Waiting for the perfect chance can be a long game — sometimes you have to knock on doors, or even build your own. Network, get out there, and show people what you can do. If you’re a writer, don’t wait for a publisher to find you — publish your work online. If you’re an actor, consider indie films or local theater. The key is to keep putting yourself out there because the more you do, the greater the chance that the right opportunity will come along.

Imagine you’re a skilled chef but you’re stuck cooking the same three dishes at a small diner. You know you have the talent, but without the chance to show it, your skills are hidden. So, you decide to film short cooking tutorials and post them online. Over time, people start noticing your talent. Maybe a local TV show invites you to cook a dish, or a bigger restaurant offers you a job. Suddenly, the opportunities start to appear because you created a platform to showcase your talent.

This quote is a reminder that while talent is crucial, it’s the opportunity that allows that talent to be recognized and appreciated. So, if you’re feeling stuck, remember to keep pushing, keep looking for your break. The right opportunity can make all the difference. And once you get that chance, don’t hold back — give it everything you’ve got.
Related tags
Acting
MORE QUOTES BY Denzel Washington
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon