I've made 122 movies, and I daresay there's a picture of mine

"I've made 122 movies, and I daresay there's a picture of mine showing somewhere in the world every day." These words spoken by Tony Curtis are a powerful reflection on the legacy of art and the enduring nature of creativity. With 122 films to his name, Curtis speaks not just of the quantity of his work but of the impact that work continues to have on the world. Even after a career that spanned decades, the idea that his films are still being shown, still reaching new audiences every single day, speaks to a universal truth: that art, once created, takes on a life of its own, moving beyond the artist and touching the lives of those who encounter it.

The nature of film as a medium is such that it is uniquely capable of immortalizing its creators. A great performance or story can echo across generations, offering new insights to every viewer who watches it. The ancient Greeks, for example, understood the power of performance to shape the human experience. Sophocles, whose plays were performed in the grand theatres of Athens, knew that his words and his characters would not remain confined to his time. His works, like those of Euripides and Aeschylus, would resonate with audiences for centuries, becoming not just a part of history but a living, breathing entity that would evolve with each interpretation. Curtis’s statement, in essence, acknowledges this eternal power of art—its ability to transcend time and space.

Consider the work of Shakespeare, whose plays continue to be performed in theatres across the world, often adapted for modern audiences but always rooted in the original stories. Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet—these plays are not just relics of the past; they are living works, experiencing continuous resurrection in every new performance. Shakespeare’s influence is felt not only in the world of theatre but in literature, film, and the very way we think about human nature. Like Curtis's movies, Shakespeare's work demonstrates that the impact of a creator’s work outlives the individual, becoming something that resonates across time.

Curtis’s remark also underscores the concept of legacy—how what we create can continue to shape the world long after we are gone. A legacy is not merely a matter of physical possessions or monetary wealth; it is the lasting imprint we leave on the world through our creations, whether they be films, books, paintings, or innovations. Curtis, as an actor and filmmaker, left behind a body of work that speaks to the human experience. Through his films, he touched on themes of love, identity, struggle, and redemption, making his work timeless. This is the power of creative expression: it allows us to transcend the limits of our own existence and speak to others, whether they are watching in the present or in a distant future.

This idea of legacy is not unique to the world of entertainment. Consider the case of Leonardo da Vinci, whose artistic mastery in painting, engineering, and science has inspired countless generations. Though he lived over five centuries ago, da Vinci’s creations are still revered and studied. His works are not confined to the museum, but continue to live on in the minds and hearts of those who encounter them. In a similar way, Curtis’s films, through their themes, performances, and artistry, continue to shape our understanding of the world, making his impact eternal. Just as da Vinci left a legacy that crosses centuries, so too did Curtis leave a legacy that echoes through the decades.

The lesson in Curtis’s words is clear: the work we do today has the potential to echo throughout time. Whether in the arts, science, or any field of endeavor, what we create today can inspire, influence, and touch the lives of others long after we are gone. Curtis did not seek fame for its own sake; he sought to tell stories, to create moments that would live on. His work stands as a reminder to us all that the passion we pour into our pursuits can outlast us, creating ripples that affect the world in ways we may never fully comprehend.

In our own lives, we are called to create with the same purpose and dedication. It may not always be through films or great works of art, but each of us leaves a mark on the world through the way we engage with others, the ideas we share, and the work we do. Let Curtis’s example serve as a reminder that our creations can last far beyond the span of our lives. Whether it is through small acts of kindness, the work we leave behind in our communities, or the projects we contribute to, we too can create something that has a lasting impact, something that resonates with others and lives on in their hearts long after we have moved on from this world. So, let us create not only for today but for the future—for legacy is built on the work we do now.