I look to longevity. I just consider myself an actress and
I look to longevity. I just consider myself an actress and getting good roles. If being a 'superstar' gets me good roles, then that's a positive thing. But my goal isn't just to be a superstar. It's to act for a long time.
Hear now the words of Penelope Ann Miller: "I look to longevity. I just consider myself an actress and getting good roles. If being a 'superstar' gets me good roles, then that's a positive thing. But my goal isn't just to be a superstar. It's to act for a long time." In these words lies a wisdom beyond the glittering veil of fame. For she speaks not of the fleeting firework that dazzles the sky for a moment, but of the steady flame that warms for generations. She teaches us that the truest triumph is not to shine briefly, but to endure, to remain steadfast in the craft through the passing of years.
The ancients knew well the lure of glory. Achilles chose the path of short life with eternal fame, while Odysseus labored long to return home, his legacy not in one blazing act, but in years of cunning, patience, and survival. Miller walks the path of Odysseus, seeking not the crown of the superstar, but the strength of the artist who can endure storms and still stand. For the theater, like the battlefield, tests not merely skill, but soul.
Consider the tale of Katharine Hepburn, who in her youth was mocked and dismissed, yet through longevity became a towering figure whose artistry only deepened with age. She did not chase the shallow laurels of the moment; she forged a legacy over decades, her name now synonymous with greatness. This is the truth Miller points toward: that the root of art is not the applause of a single season, but the constancy of purpose.
Fame is but a shadow, shifting and uncertain. One year it anoints, the next it abandons. But the love of one’s craft, the devotion to one’s roles, this is eternal. To seek merely the mantle of “superstar” is to build upon sand. To seek the life-long journey of the actress is to build upon rock. Her words are a warning to all who would pursue the glittering prize without anchoring themselves in the deeper soil of devotion.
Thus the meaning of her saying is clear: do not measure your worth by fleeting acclaim, but by the strength of your continuance. To endure is greater than to dazzle. To remain faithful to your craft, when applause fades and fashions shift, is the mark of true greatness. And so, let us teach this truth to those who come after: chase not the crown of the moment, but the crown that is woven through years of steadfast labor.
NTNguyen Thi Ngoc Tran
What stands out about Penelope Ann Miller’s quote is her maturity in prioritizing a long-term career over short-term fame. She recognizes that being a 'superstar' can sometimes open doors, but she ultimately values the craft of acting. But I wonder, does this long-term focus mean she’s less likely to take risks in choosing roles? Or perhaps, as an established actress, she has more freedom to take on roles that truly interest her, without worrying about her public image?
KOTran Thi Kieu Oanh
Penelope Ann Miller's focus on longevity rather than fame highlights her passion for acting as an art form. I appreciate her goal to act for a long time, but I’m curious about how she manages the risk of being typecast. In an industry that can quickly label actors with certain roles, how does she ensure that she continues to get challenging and diverse roles throughout her career, beyond just the quest for fame?
BNBinh Nguyen
Penelope Ann Miller seems to have a balanced approach to her career, which is admirable. It’s refreshing to hear someone focus on longevity and doing meaningful work over just achieving fame. However, I do wonder if the definition of 'good roles' shifts over time. Do actors like Miller sometimes find themselves taking on roles they wouldn't otherwise consider, simply to maintain their place in the industry?
MNchinh mai ngoc
I really like that Miller places value on acting over the pursuit of fame. Her perspective that being a 'superstar' is only a byproduct of good roles, rather than the ultimate goal, is a grounded approach. But how does she deal with the inevitable industry pressures to be constantly in the limelight? Can a career really be sustained long-term without some level of visibility and media attention?
NSNguyen Phuc Nguyen Son
It’s interesting how Penelope Ann Miller distinguishes between being a 'superstar' and having a lasting career. It shows that she has a realistic view of the entertainment industry, where fame doesn’t always translate to long-term success. However, I wonder if her desire for longevity means she’s willing to take roles that might not challenge her as much, just to maintain steady work. How much does longevity require compromises in the types of roles one takes?