James Woods initially wanted to be an eye surgeon, but recognition knocked on his door and opened his life to acting. He started small, like many other new actors, by being a part of local theatre troupes. He soon became one of the most known actors in Hollywood, starring in over 130 films. He also is notable for his voiceover work. Apart from his contribution to film and theatre, Woods is a professional poker player and a vocal Democrat who actively participates in politics. His prolific output has impressed many critics. Here is a look at his sayings and opinions on politics, business, acting, films and love compiled from his interviews, articles, and other public appearances.
I'm a pretty quiet guy, but if people want to think of me as a lady killer, I guess that's good.
James Woods
Golfers are genuinely courteous in a discourteous world. Show me a guest on The Jerry Springer Show who's a golfer.
James Woods
Aficionado my ass...I just love to smoke cigars
James Woods
Whatever it took to get elected president of the United States, I don't think being a complete and utter moron is one of those predicates.
James Woods
I'm famous for being nicer to my fans than anyone on the face of the earth because I figure, a) They pay my salary, and b) It's probably like a big moment in your life to meet somebody; so I would say, 'Just come on up.'
My second ex-wife was really kind of like a ship passing in the night. Only she turned out to be the Exxon Valdez.
James Woods
Give Bush 10 minutes before you hammer him. I think he's going to surprise people. He sounds simple and uncomplicated, but maybe that's what we need now. He's not as stupid as everyone thinks. I like the guy.
James Woods
Just curious. Does the president of the United States have any advice for other teenage boys in America? Wounded warriors, for example . . .
James Woods
I was able to lean on people for favors and things to help out because their budget was so low. It was half of what John Travolta's perk package is on a film. Our whole budget was half of what his staff makes on a film.
James Woods
Filmmaking, like sex, isn't a polite enterprise. It involves a lot of mess and the bottom line is, if somebody ain't screaming, you're not doing your job.
James Woods
It is okay to fall, but not okay to stay on the ground.
James Woods
I'm absolutely gonna win it, because I'm ruthless. I sit at the poker table and my job is to destroy people.
James Woods
...simple logic tells you that if somebody wants you dead you have one course of action: To get them deader sooner.
James Woods
The only reason people lock their car doors when Obama walks by is they are afraid he'll tax them to death...
James Woods
Without a doubt, if I had it to do all over again, I would do whatever it takes to be a one-person studio. You need to learn how to write so you can control the material. If you own the material, you can do it all.
Because of who I am, when I sit at a poker table, I meet people who engage me in conversation, not only about poker, but also about the movie business and about the world of celebrities.
My attitude about Hollywood is that I wouldn't walk across the street to pull one of those executives out of the snow if he was bleeding to death. Not unless I was paid for it. None of them ever did me any favors.
So you can say whatever you want and quote me however you want about politics and make the next payday, and that's fine because I'm making that deal with you, but just mention the movie along the way, OK?
The lifeblood of my career has been independent film.
James Woods
We work in an environment where your options are to do, you know, Batman 10, so when you get to do a movie that's a really great film like this, people really step up to the plate and enjoy it.
No matter what it is, if you get 10 people in the business talking about something, you get 10 different opinions, but you know, they're amazingly well informed.
If I say I'm the best actor for the part, I mean it and I'm not kidding.
James Woods
The whole world has gone back to something we are genetically engineered to do - communicating through symbols.
James Woods
The silent killer of all great men and women of achievement - particularly men, I don't know why, maybe it's the testosterone - I think it's narcissism. Even more than hubris. And for women, too. Narcissism is the killer.
I am one of those guys who could do the most emotional scene and crack a joke instantly. I'm lucky. I'm just like an idiot savant. I have one enormously enjoyable, pleasurable - for me - talent, which is being able to act.
It's a great battle, and it really is a battle, and there are people from all walks of life, you know, never judge anybody at the table: A man can be the greatest poker player and he might know all the numbers, but he might get beaten by a really savvy kid who works in a grocery store; and that's what's so great about this game.
I'm famous for being nicer to my fans than anyone on the face of the Earth because I figure a) They pay my salary, and b) It's probably like a big moment in your life to meet somebody so I would say, just come on up.
...if [the 9/11/01 attacks] had happened to the Russians, about three major cities in the Middle East would have been parking lots in twenty minute and they wouldn't have worried about the consequences because there would not have been any because the remaining terrorist states would have said 'we get the message.'
James Woods
Here's what I believe a soul is - at least this, I believe it's at least this. I believe that every kindness that we create in our lives, if it came because we were affected by a person we loved and lost, that person lives through that kindness. That's what a soul is.
 They pay my salary, and b) It's probably like a big moment in your life to meet somebody; so I would say, 'Just come on up.' )
