The Actor’s Duty and the Artist’s Privilege – Marlon Brando
Created at: April 16, 2025

To grasp the full significance of life is the actor’s duty; to interpret it the artist’s privilege. — Marlon Brando
Understanding Life Through Art
Brando highlights that actors must deeply understand the human experience in order to portray it authentically.
Role of Interpretation
He distinguishes between comprehending life (duty of the actor) and offering a personal interpretation (privilege of the artist).
Artist versus Actor
The quote draws a line between representing reality (actor) and reimagining or interpreting it (artist).
Responsibility of Authentic Portrayal
Implying that an actor has a responsibility to depict the truth of human existence on stage or screen.
Privilege of Expression
Brando views the act of expressing and interpreting meaning as an honor granted to artists, highlighting the creative process as a special gift.