Alan Ladd Quotes, born September 3, 1913, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and passing on January 29, 1964, was an American actor and film producer whose cool, understated intensity made him a Hollywood icon of the 1940s and 1950s. Rising to fame in film noir classics like This Gun for Hire (1942) and The Blue Dahlia (1946), often paired with Veronica Lake, Ladd cemented his legacy as the stoic gunslinger in Shane (1953). Despite a tough childhood marked by poverty and his father’s early death, Ladd’s determination led to over 100 film credits. Known for his shy demeanor and “aging choirboy” look, he was a reluctant star who valued family, especially his son, Alan Ladd Jr. These 15 quotes—sourced from interviews, films, and public statements—reflect his thoughts on acting, humility, and life, capturing his quiet strength and enduring appeal.
15 Alan Ladd Quotes
- “I’m no good with words, but I’ll find ways from time to time to show you how grateful I am.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it.” (Shane, 1953)
- “I’d rather be David Ladd’s father than Alan Ladd any day.” (PictureQuotes, n.d.)
- “If you can figure out my success on the screen, you’re a better man than I.” (AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “I’m shy and can’t for the life of me barge around and slap people on the back. I sit in a corner by myself and am tickled to death when someone comes over to talk to me.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “A man has to be what he is, Joey. Can’t break the mould. I tried it and it didn’t work for me.” (Shane, 1953)
- “I just want to make pictures that are entertaining. I’ll leave the scenery chewing to someone else.” (AZQuotes, n.d.)
- “I’m the most insecure guy in Hollywood. If you had it good all your life, you figure it can’t ever get bad, but when you had it bad, you wonder how long a thing like this will last.” (Great-Quotes.com, n.d.)
- “I know what’s good for me. I can’t play black or gray. I can’t be a villain or anything close to one. I have to play white.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I think any movie star who refuses autographs has a hell of a nerve.” (InspiringQuotes.us, n.d.)
- “I have the face of an aging choirboy and the build of an undernourished featherweight.” (CMG Worldwide, n.d.)
- “I’m going to make it. Nothing is going to stop me. Nothing. I want it too much.” (Great-Quotes.com, n.d.)
- “Willard Gates: Don’t you trust me? Philip Raven: Who trusts anybody?” (This Gun for Hire, 1942)
- “As long as my pictures go into theaters and we ask people to pay to see what I do on the screen, I should not object if customers want to know what kind of man I am.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I never fail to feel let down when I see myself on the screen.” (PictureQuotes, n.d.)
Alan Ladd’s quotes are a compelling mix of humility, grit, and quiet determination, reflecting the man behind the mythic screen hero and inspiring us to stay true to ourselves. Which quote captures your heart or fires up your drive? Share it below and keep Ladd’s cinematic legacy alive!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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