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John Krasinski Quotes

145 Notable Quotes By John Krasinski On Fun, Comedy, Love & Marriage

Famous As: Known For His Role as Jim Halpert on the NBC sitcom 'The Office'

Born On: October 20, 1979

Born In: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

If there is one thing to prove John Krasinski's acumen for comedy and acting it is his ability to make fun of himself and his high-profile marriage to Emily Blunt in a way that endears him to his fans. He is proud of his ability to make people laugh, which not only uplifts peoples' mood when they are emotionally down, but is also a recipe for having a great time with others. While it is very easy to find sarcasm and humor in almost every line he utters, they usually form the coating over the deep philosophical ideas that he shares through his speeches and interviews. Below are few such quotes that cover acting, humor, life, relationships, and insecurities.

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Actors

Film & Theater Personalities

People have a sense of humor, even if it's not a good one, and everybody has stakes.

People have a sense of humor, even if it's not a good one, and everybody has stakes.
John Krasinski

The first time I ever cried in a movie was in Dead Poet's Society.

The first time I ever cried in a movie was in Dead Poet's Society.
John Krasinski

I am in that everything [ David Foster Wallace] writes is pretty much the best stuff I've read, so that makes me a fan I guess.

I am in that everything [ David Foster Wallace] writes is pretty much the best stuff I've read, so that makes me a fan I guess.
John Krasinski

It's a big thing to feel like you're doing something that's actually affecting people.

It's a big thing to feel like you're doing something that's actually affecting people.
John Krasinski

Writing and directing just sort of fell into my lap.

Writing and directing just sort of fell into my lap.
John Krasinski

James Cagney as a baby is not my ideal thing.

James Cagney as a baby is not my ideal thing.
John Krasinski

You should know the ins and outs [of the marriage]. So it was nice to see a little bit of background.

You should know the ins and outs [of the marriage]. So it was nice to see a little bit of background.
John Krasinski

To me, television is one of the most exciting things going on right now, as far as content goes. Some of these shows that are on television are better than any of the movies out there.

To me, television is one of the most exciting things going on right now, as far as content goes. Some of these shows that are on television are better than any of the movies out there.
John Krasinski

I'm a sucker where I love shifting tides.

I'm a sucker where I love shifting tides.
John Krasinski

I don't want my kids to ever think that I am choosing my job over them.

I don't want my kids to ever think that I am choosing my job over them.
John Krasinski

For me, anything I do is totally up for conversation and it's not my right to be able to stop a person from writing whatever they want. What's harmful and hurtful is when people speculate.

For me, anything I do is totally up for conversation and it's not my right to be able to stop a person from writing whatever they want. What's harmful and hurtful is when people speculate.
John Krasinski

I usually save these answers [on the institution of marriage] for my Barbara Walters Special, but she didn't call so I've never been engaged, despite popular belief.

I usually save these answers [on the institution of marriage] for my Barbara Walters Special, but she didn't call so I've never been engaged, despite popular belief.
Belief
John Krasinski

I have people printing that I have. Never been engaged. As far as what I think of marriage, I think it's great. I think I'd like to be married some day, but I'll start with love.

I have people printing that I have. Never been engaged. As far as what I think of marriage, I think it's great. I think I'd like to be married some day, but I'll start with love.
John Krasinski

Why don't we try falling in love first and then I'll see what happens after that?

Why don't we try falling in love first and then I'll see what happens after that?
Trying
John Krasinski

When I look at my parents I'm like, 'This is easy. Staying together for 35 years? How hard is that?' They're like, 'Very hard.

When I look at my parents I'm like, 'This is easy. Staying together for 35 years? How hard is that?' They're like, 'Very hard.
Together
John Krasinski

That was okay [ working with George Clooney]. One of these days I'll work with a good director.

That was okay [ working with George Clooney]. One of these days I'll work with a good director.
John Krasinski

All I've ever wanted to do was be a great dad, and yet there's no stopping this existential mirror that's held up to yourself when you're about to have a kid.

All I've ever wanted to do was be a great dad, and yet there's no stopping this existential mirror that's held up to yourself when you're about to have a kid.
John Krasinski

I'm happy to announce to the world that I'm a crier. It doesn't take a lot for me to cry at stuff.

I'm happy to announce to the world that I'm a crier. It doesn't take a lot for me to cry at stuff.
John Krasinski

I'm not going to pretend that bad things don't happen. I just hope my daughter has enough understanding that when they do, just give me a call.

I'm not going to pretend that bad things don't happen. I just hope my daughter has enough understanding that when they do, just give me a call.
John Krasinski

I certainly went into losing my virginity terrified. Going on stage, I could only have imagined the worst possible outcomes. And then it went fine.

I certainly went into losing my virginity terrified. Going on stage, I could only have imagined the worst possible outcomes. And then it went fine.
John Krasinski

Richard Jenkins read the script [The Hollars] and really liked it, but he said, 'If you can get Margo Martindale, I'll do it. Otherwise, good luck.

Richard Jenkins read the script [The Hollars] and really liked it, but he said, 'If you can get Margo Martindale, I'll do it. Otherwise, good luck.
John Krasinski

The one-liner of this movie [ The Hollars], you've probably heard before: 'A guy goes home to his family and finds out about himself.

The one-liner of this movie [ The Hollars], you've probably heard before: 'A guy goes home to his family and finds out about himself.
Home
John Krasinski

I love this script [The Hollars] because I'm lucky enough to come from a really tightknit family.

I love this script [The Hollars] because I'm lucky enough to come from a really tightknit family.
John Krasinski

Let's be honest, there are a lot of family movies; I like some of them, I don't like other ones.

Let's be honest, there are a lot of family movies; I like some of them, I don't like other ones.
John Krasinski

There's not swelling music and emotional scenes in life, and there's not long pauses when you tell a joke for everybody to laugh. That's not how it goes. Life just sort of happens to you.

There's not swelling music and emotional scenes in life, and there's not long pauses when you tell a joke for everybody to laugh. That's not how it goes. Life just sort of happens to you.
John Krasinski

Being [in] a show that you get to say good-bye instead of being asked to leave is a real honor.

Being [in] a show that you get to say good-bye instead of being asked to leave is a real honor.
John Krasinski

I've always loved those movies where somebody thinks they want something, and then they realize that the thing they really want is right in front of them.

I've always loved those movies where somebody thinks they want something, and then they realize that the thing they really want is right in front of them.
John Krasinski

The only reason why I acted in school was because of the community, like I was in the chorus of every play, I was never really the lead.

The only reason why I acted in school was because of the community, like I was in the chorus of every play, I was never really the lead.
John Krasinski

I have the most incredible parents and they didn't put pressure on me. I grew up in a house and no matter what they thought of things, it was always about my choice.

I have the most incredible parents and they didn't put pressure on me. I grew up in a house and no matter what they thought of things, it was always about my choice.
John Krasinski

I've always loved where my dad came from and the ideals that instilled in me.

I've always loved where my dad came from and the ideals that instilled in me.
John Krasinski

I'm sure there's pieces of me in all the characters I play.

I'm sure there's pieces of me in all the characters I play.
Character
John Krasinski

Ninety percent of your job is done if you find the right cast.

Ninety percent of your job is done if you find the right cast.
John Krasinski

Keeping it real is the key and I don't know how they've done that week after week. I think the key is that everybody can sort of empathize with [The Office].

Keeping it real is the key and I don't know how they've done that week after week. I think the key is that everybody can sort of empathize with [The Office].
John Krasinski

We have the best writers in the business [on The Office].

We have the best writers in the business [on The Office].
John Krasinski

After three takes, [George Clooney] is like, 'We got it,' and I'm still thinking, 'I'm just getting used to this. I shouldn't have done it in a Russian accent.' No, he's great. He's a good guy.

After three takes, [George Clooney] is like, 'We got it,' and I'm still thinking, 'I'm just getting used to this. I shouldn't have done it in a Russian accent.' No, he's great. He's a good guy.
John Krasinski

[George Clooney] knows exactly what he wants and so he knows that you've done a good job before you do.

[George Clooney] knows exactly what he wants and so he knows that you've done a good job before you do.
John Krasinski

To be that big of a star and that grounded and that classy, I'm mean [ George Clooney] was a true mentor for me and, as a director, he's incredible.

To be that big of a star and that grounded and that classy, I'm mean [ George Clooney] was a true mentor for me and, as a director, he's incredible.
John Krasinski

When you have two people that good in a movie, I think it adds a class and a feeling of importance for other actors that they want to be involved.

When you have two people that good in a movie, I think it adds a class and a feeling of importance for other actors that they want to be involved.
John Krasinski

I think it's a big chance to take to make a movie that's about as something as pure and honest and something people can relate to everyday.

I think it's a big chance to take to make a movie that's about as something as pure and honest and something people can relate to everyday.
John Krasinski

I'm a sap, I'll cry at anything. But I don't cry when I feel manipulated, or when there's a music cue telling me to.

I'm a sap, I'll cry at anything. But I don't cry when I feel manipulated, or when there's a music cue telling me to.
John Krasinski

I think we owe absolutely everything to the fans.

I think we owe absolutely everything to the fans.
John Krasinski

I didn't go to the special screening on a spaceship where everybody goes to have their special screenings...Everybody knows that's what happens in Hollywood.

I didn't go to the special screening on a spaceship where everybody goes to have their special screenings...Everybody knows that's what happens in Hollywood.
John Krasinski

All the cliches are true about parenting. All I've ever wanted to do is be a father, but there's this existential mirror that's held up when you have a kid.

All the cliches are true about parenting. All I've ever wanted to do is be a father, but there's this existential mirror that's held up when you have a kid.
John Krasinski

I'm really not feeling one way or the other with comedy or drama, I'm just sort of doing projects that I've been finding really fun to be a part of.

I'm really not feeling one way or the other with comedy or drama, I'm just sort of doing projects that I've been finding really fun to be a part of.
John Krasinski

Truly, when I say the show has given me everything, it's given me everything.

Truly, when I say the show has given me everything, it's given me everything.
John Krasinski

My favorite water cooler topic is fantasy football. I used to make fun of friends for doing it and now I'm obsessed.

My favorite water cooler topic is fantasy football. I used to make fun of friends for doing it and now I'm obsessed.
John Krasinski

I fell in love with the book [ Brief Interviews with Hideous Men] and always wanted to do something with and fought to get the rights, which was pretty fun and an incredible experience in itself.

I fell in love with the book [ Brief Interviews with Hideous Men] and always wanted to do something with and fought to get the rights, which was pretty fun and an incredible experience in itself.
John Krasinski

It's not about celebrity or not. It's all about, do you have that 'girl in a cardigan' in you. You gotta have that.

It's not about celebrity or not. It's all about, do you have that 'girl in a cardigan' in you. You gotta have that.
John Krasinski

We live in a very modern age and the dynamic of raising kids and being a professional are intersecting a lot more - especially for women.

We live in a very modern age and the dynamic of raising kids and being a professional are intersecting a lot more - especially for women.
John Krasinski

I have no problem with people seeing me as the nice guy. I hope they don't see me as just the nice guy.

I have no problem with people seeing me as the nice guy. I hope they don't see me as just the nice guy.
John Krasinski

Imagination is the most powerful tool you have. You learn it from all the greats. The Star Wars films are secretive. Anything J.J. Abrams does is secretive. Those guys haven't done too poorly.

Imagination is the most powerful tool you have. You learn it from all the greats. The Star Wars films are secretive. Anything J.J. Abrams does is secretive. Those guys haven't done too poorly.
War
John Krasinski

I think one of the coolest things for my daughters is that they'll get to see their mom being a working mom. It's one of the things I'll be most proud of.

I think one of the coolest things for my daughters is that they'll get to see their mom being a working mom. It's one of the things I'll be most proud of.
John Krasinski

I grew up with the Boston vibe and the Catholic vibe. I don't want to put anybody out.

I grew up with the Boston vibe and the Catholic vibe. I don't want to put anybody out.
John Krasinski

My favorite scene on the show [The Office] is on the booze cruise when I finally get to talk to her and tell her, and I react exactly how I would react by saying nothing.

My favorite scene on the show [The Office] is on the booze cruise when I finally get to talk to her and tell her, and I react exactly how I would react by saying nothing.
John Krasinski

When everything gets turned upside down, it only leads to better quality stuff.

When everything gets turned upside down, it only leads to better quality stuff.
John Krasinski

I've never been compared to Bugs Bunny and that's amazing, thank you.

I've never been compared to Bugs Bunny and that's amazing, thank you.
John Krasinski

Family comes first for me in every single way.

Family comes first for me in every single way.
John Krasinski

You can't do anything to be funny. That's cringeworthy. If your humor comes out of a place of love every time, you don't make the joke bigger than you. The funniest comedians are in touch with their emotional level.

You can't do anything to be funny. That's cringeworthy. If your humor comes out of a place of love every time, you don't make the joke bigger than you. The funniest comedians are in touch with their emotional level.
John Krasinski

You can make jokes but [ George Clooney] is everything that anyone's ever said about him.

You can make jokes but [ George Clooney] is everything that anyone's ever said about him.
John Krasinski

One of the best lessons I've ever gotten in my life is to anticipate nothing because it's always worse in your head than it really is.

One of the best lessons I've ever gotten in my life is to anticipate nothing because it's always worse in your head than it really is.
John Krasinski

I planned on being an English teacher, but I don't know where that went.

I planned on being an English teacher, but I don't know where that went.
John Krasinski

I'm not looking to do 'Half Nelson' next, but to play anything that's a little more complex is really fun.

I'm not looking to do 'Half Nelson' next, but to play anything that's a little more complex is really fun.
John Krasinski

For me, there are worse things than being pigeonholed as the nice guy.

For me, there are worse things than being pigeonholed as the nice guy.
Me
John Krasinski

Being from Boston, I think we have to get the 'Good Will Hunting' poster tattooed on our backs when we're like 16 or 17; it's just a rite of passage. That movie is so, so, so huge.

Being from Boston, I think we have to get the 'Good Will Hunting' poster tattooed on our backs when we're like 16 or 17; it's just a rite of passage. That movie is so, so, so huge.
Think Will
John Krasinski

I went to Dave Eggers with this idea of doing a movie about a guy going through some sort of Frank Capra-esque journey.

I went to Dave Eggers with this idea of doing a movie about a guy going through some sort of Frank Capra-esque journey.
John Krasinski

I had done one failed pilot. I remember, when it failed, I was like, 'Oh my God, how does someone survive this? That's it - that's the end of my career; it's over.'

I had done one failed pilot. I remember, when it failed, I was like, 'Oh my God, how does someone survive this? That's it - that's the end of my career; it's over.'
God
John Krasinski

It's tough to live in New York and be in the business.

It's tough to live in New York and be in the business.
Business
John Krasinski

I credit NTI, truthfully, with everything as far as where my head is and what my goals are and dreams are. I would say it was probably one of the most influential moments of my life, being there.

I credit NTI, truthfully, with everything as far as where my head is and what my goals are and dreams are. I would say it was probably one of the most influential moments of my life, being there.
Life Dreams
John Krasinski

I had never taken acting at Brown to be the beginnings of a career. I always did it just for fun.

I had never taken acting at Brown to be the beginnings of a career. I always did it just for fun.
Never
John Krasinski

For me, 'Arrested Development' is the cornerstone of recent television comedy. It's so incredibly flawless and perfect.

For me, 'Arrested Development' is the cornerstone of recent television comedy. It's so incredibly flawless and perfect.
Me
John Krasinski

I always stay with my parents. When you come home, you gotta do that. It's weird to be like, 'Hey, I'm at a hotel. Drive 20 minutes to see me, and we'll have dinner.'

I always stay with my parents. When you come home, you gotta do that. It's weird to be like, 'Hey, I'm at a hotel. Drive 20 minutes to see me, and we'll have dinner.'
Me Home
John Krasinski

This is the time for me to step out and show that I don't just want to play the nice guy roles, and I think I'll find out what my limits are.

This is the time for me to step out and show that I don't just want to play the nice guy roles, and I think I'll find out what my limits are.
Me Think Time
John Krasinski

Bizarrely, on movie sets, they don't really dig it when you look in the camera, which is a bizarre fact.

Bizarrely, on movie sets, they don't really dig it when you look in the camera, which is a bizarre fact.
You
John Krasinski

I think we all have a responsibility to tell good stories.

I think we all have a responsibility to tell good stories.
Think
John Krasinski

If there was ever someone to look up to, it's Tom Hanks.

If there was ever someone to look up to, it's Tom Hanks.
John Krasinski

Sadly, I'm one of those people who emotionally puts things off and then gets caught very blindsided at the end.

Sadly, I'm one of those people who emotionally puts things off and then gets caught very blindsided at the end.
John Krasinski

I was a waiter before 'The Office,' so to me, this was a winning lottery ticket. Everything about my life has changed.

I was a waiter before 'The Office,' so to me, this was a winning lottery ticket. Everything about my life has changed.
Life Me
John Krasinski

I've always loved those movies where somebody really wants something, and then the thing they want is right in front of them.

I've always loved those movies where somebody really wants something, and then the thing they want is right in front of them.
John Krasinski

I held down as many jobs as I could find, from being a waiter to working at a yoga studio and as a ticket-taker at a small theater company - anything that would allow me to go out and do auditions.

I held down as many jobs as I could find, from being a waiter to working at a yoga studio and as a ticket-taker at a small theater company - anything that would allow me to go out and do auditions.
Me
John Krasinski

I think we all get into situations where we don't know how to proceed, and those are really the scariest moments that we have, but that's also what makes us 'grow up' and learn a lot about each other.

I think we all get into situations where we don't know how to proceed, and those are really the scariest moments that we have, but that's also what makes us 'grow up' and learn a lot about each other.
Think
John Krasinski

I love feeling strong. You pick up your daughter with ease while everyone else makes a little grunt when they pick up their kids.

I love feeling strong. You pick up your daughter with ease while everyone else makes a little grunt when they pick up their kids.
You Love
John Krasinski

I'm that sort of weird guy who will watch a movie almost every day if I can.

I'm that sort of weird guy who will watch a movie almost every day if I can.
John Krasinski

I was one of those kids who had never seen an indie film before I got to college. If it wasn't a big, huge tentpole movie, or if it wasn't on the radio, I hadn't experienced it.

I was one of those kids who had never seen an indie film before I got to college. If it wasn't a big, huge tentpole movie, or if it wasn't on the radio, I hadn't experienced it.
Never
John Krasinski

I've never been someone who dates all that much - I'm more of a serial monogamist.

I've never been someone who dates all that much - I'm more of a serial monogamist.
Never
John Krasinski

You can never perfect a relationship, and you can never perfect yourself to be in a relationship. You're always going to be changing, and you hope it's for the better.

You can never perfect a relationship, and you can never perfect yourself to be in a relationship. You're always going to be changing, and you hope it's for the better.
Yourself Relationship Hope
John Krasinski

A good part's a good part. You can play serious and funny moments with a well-written role.

A good part's a good part. You can play serious and funny moments with a well-written role.
You
John Krasinski

I admire him so much; if I was ever going to have a dude-crush, it would be on George Clooney. I mean, I don't think you can avoid it. It's like a superpower - he just sucks anybody in around him.

I admire him so much; if I was ever going to have a dude-crush, it would be on George Clooney. I mean, I don't think you can avoid it. It's like a superpower - he just sucks anybody in around him.
You Think
John Krasinski

Luckily, I have two of the coolest parents around. They're so open about having any and all experiences, so they never hindered us in any way by categorizing or judging anything.

Luckily, I have two of the coolest parents around. They're so open about having any and all experiences, so they never hindered us in any way by categorizing or judging anything.
Never
John Krasinski

People aren't throwing themselves at me, but I also don't go out very much. Like, when I do go out, it's for breakfast, so it's a little hard to throw yourself at me during breakfast.

People aren't throwing themselves at me, but I also don't go out very much. Like, when I do go out, it's for breakfast, so it's a little hard to throw yourself at me during breakfast.
Me Yourself
John Krasinski

My parents and my brothers and their wives are incredible and formed me as a person long before I got to Hollywood.

My parents and my brothers and their wives are incredible and formed me as a person long before I got to Hollywood.
Me
John Krasinski

Probably the biggest challenge for me as a director was to not show how scared I was. I was surrounded by some of the most talented people in the industry, and I had to pretend I knew what I was doing.

Probably the biggest challenge for me as a director was to not show how scared I was. I was surrounded by some of the most talented people in the industry, and I had to pretend I knew what I was doing.
Me
John Krasinski

I learned that the best way to work is to allow the scene to live on its own before making major adjustments, whether in rehearsal or on film.

I learned that the best way to work is to allow the scene to live on its own before making major adjustments, whether in rehearsal or on film.
John Krasinski

There's a large oak tree in the Newton Centre park playground that is legendary because only a few humans have hit it with a baseball from home plate, and B.J. Novak is among them. And I was there that day.

There's a large oak tree in the Newton Centre park playground that is legendary because only a few humans have hit it with a baseball from home plate, and B.J. Novak is among them. And I was there that day.
Home
John Krasinski

I've made a lot of mistakes in my life. And I'm really sensitive, so I take even small mistakes as huge ones.

I've made a lot of mistakes in my life. And I'm really sensitive, so I take even small mistakes as huge ones.
Life
John Krasinski

I think that whether you're married or not, in any relationship, there's always the terror that you're going to screw something up.

I think that whether you're married or not, in any relationship, there's always the terror that you're going to screw something up.
You Think Relationship
John Krasinski

I've fallen in love with shows like 'Homeland' and 'The Wire.' And I think 'The Office' is in a category like that.

I've fallen in love with shows like 'Homeland' and 'The Wire.' And I think 'The Office' is in a category like that.
Love Think Like
John Krasinski

The real drawback when you write with a partner is that where you want it to go and where they want it to go is similar, but not exactly lined up, and that's where it's going to lead you into trouble.

The real drawback when you write with a partner is that where you want it to go and where they want it to go is similar, but not exactly lined up, and that's where it's going to lead you into trouble.
You
John Krasinski

I've always loved where my dad came from and the ideals that he instilled in me.

I've always loved where my dad came from and the ideals that he instilled in me.
Me
John Krasinski

No matter what a guy says, if he shows up at all the places you're at, he's hooked.

No matter what a guy says, if he shows up at all the places you're at, he's hooked.
You
John Krasinski

There are always roles that seem enticing that you can't do because of scheduling.

There are always roles that seem enticing that you can't do because of scheduling.
You
John Krasinski

Most of the people I know who work out seriously do so because they have such an amazing outlook on life. To be who I want to be, I'm going to work out to be more positive, more active. It's proactive.

Most of the people I know who work out seriously do so because they have such an amazing outlook on life. To be who I want to be, I'm going to work out to be more positive, more active. It's proactive.
Life
John Krasinski

My name was originally John Collins, but I just didn't think it had the flair I needed. I found out the poet laureate of Poland was named Krasinski and so it seemed like a shoe-in for show business.

My name was originally John Collins, but I just didn't think it had the flair I needed. I found out the poet laureate of Poland was named Krasinski and so it seemed like a shoe-in for show business.
Think Business
John Krasinski