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217 Awesome Quotes By Winona Ryder That Will Make You Fall In Love With Her

Famous As: Actress Best Known for Her Films: 'Beetlejuice', 'The Age of Innocence' and 'Little Women'
Born On: October 29, 1971
Born In: Winona, Minnesota, United States
Age: 51 Years

Winona Ryder wanted to be just a normal girl, flirting with a normal guy. Instead, she became an iconic star, whom “weird people follow” on the street and who “can’t sit alone in a restaurant or a café and read a book in peace”.  In her long acting career, Ryder has accumulated a huge cache of experiences and in interviews she has talked about them freely, acknowledging that she has been blessed with good and supportive friends. Let us now take a look at some of her notable quotes, in which she has not only talked about her life; but also on various subjects like finding good roles, her love for books, marriage and divorce, motherhood, aging and dressing.

People don't realise how much tension they hold in their forearms.

People don't realise how much tension they hold in their forearms.

Winona Ryder
I would never give advice, because I would feel very presumptuous.

I would never give advice, because I would feel very presumptuous.

Winona Ryder
The 1980s was the era of the blonde cheerleader.

The 1980s was the era of the blonde cheerleader.

Winona Ryder
I want to be a good friend, a good sister, a good person and a good actress.

I want to be a good friend, a good sister, a good person and a good actress.

Winona Ryder
Honestly, if it wasn't for 'Beetlejuice,' where would I be? That movie was a big thing for me.

Honestly, if it wasn't for 'Beetlejuice,' where would I be? That movie was a big thing for me.

Winona Ryder
I was unusual looking - I didn't have the look of that time. If you look at 'Lucas' - and, basically, my first five or six movies - the characters are not described in the scripts as attractive people.

I was unusual looking - I didn't have the look of that time. If you look at 'Lucas' - and, basically, my first five or six movies - the characters are not described in the scripts as attractive people.

Winona Ryder
I feel a little stronger than people perceive me.

I feel a little stronger than people perceive me.

Winona Ryder
My problems seemed so glamorous to other people, and everyone just thought I was so lucky. But then, I was lucky because my family was really there for me - San Francisco was a real refuge.

My problems seemed so glamorous to other people, and everyone just thought I was so lucky. But then, I was lucky because my family was really there for me - San Francisco was a real refuge.

Winona Ryder
I approached work very seriously. I never went out. I couldn't fathom people who could go out to clubs... I mean, if I had a 6 A.M. call, I had to be prepared. I had to be in bed at a certain hour.

I approached work very seriously. I never went out. I couldn't fathom people who could go out to clubs... I mean, if I had a 6 A.M. call, I had to be prepared. I had to be in bed at a certain hour.

Winona Ryder
Even though I never really had to pound the pavement as an actor, I always worked really hard. But, at the same time, I always felt like people thought that I didn't have to struggle even though I was struggling.

Even though I never really had to pound the pavement as an actor, I always worked really hard. But, at the same time, I always felt like people thought that I didn't have to struggle even though I was struggling.

Winona Ryder
I don't have a director's mind.

I don't have a director's mind.

Winona Ryder
In real life, and for women everywhere, no matter what their job is, your 30s and your 40s and beyond should be celebrated.

In real life, and for women everywhere, no matter what their job is, your 30s and your 40s and beyond should be celebrated.

Winona Ryder
I'm part of the crew obsessed with 'The Wire.' Like, I'm not over that yet.

I'm part of the crew obsessed with 'The Wire.' Like, I'm not over that yet.

Winona Ryder
As a teenager, I worked on Indian reservations, and it was such an incredible culture: the elders are so respected.

As a teenager, I worked on Indian reservations, and it was such an incredible culture: the elders are so respected.

Winona Ryder
My favourite performances are by actresses like Bette Davis in 'All About Eve' or Gena Rowlands in pretty much anything - performances that have nothing to do with age.

My favourite performances are by actresses like Bette Davis in 'All About Eve' or Gena Rowlands in pretty much anything - performances that have nothing to do with age.

Winona Ryder
It was hard to find that transition to adult roles.

It was hard to find that transition to adult roles.

Winona Ryder
There are certain directors who will start talking to you about something, and suddenly you'll be ready to roll, and you'll realize it was very specific.

There are certain directors who will start talking to you about something, and suddenly you'll be ready to roll, and you'll realize it was very specific.

Winona Ryder
The Duffers can be super articulate or very straight to the point. I was really impressed with how they were with each other.

The Duffers can be super articulate or very straight to the point. I was really impressed with how they were with each other.

Winona Ryder
Usually, the roles that you get offered that are the mom roles are very much the mom role.

Usually, the roles that you get offered that are the mom roles are very much the mom role.

Winona Ryder
Some people go to L.A. just to see recognizable people. There are tour buses. But in New York, everyone seems a little less into that.

Some people go to L.A. just to see recognizable people. There are tour buses. But in New York, everyone seems a little less into that.

Winona Ryder
I'm just coming from a more personal - and, I guess, more nostalgic - point of view.

I'm just coming from a more personal - and, I guess, more nostalgic - point of view.

Winona Ryder
My home is San Francisco - that is definitely what I consider my home.

My home is San Francisco - that is definitely what I consider my home.

Winona Ryder
I've always been super-private and protective of certain experiences and certain friends.

I've always been super-private and protective of certain experiences and certain friends.

Winona Ryder
One of my worst fears is being a self-indulgent person.

One of my worst fears is being a self-indulgent person.

Winona Ryder
I did 'Beetlejuice,' and it was a big movie, but it didn't help my high-school experience. In fact, it made it worse. I was a freak and a witch.

I did 'Beetlejuice,' and it was a big movie, but it didn't help my high-school experience. In fact, it made it worse. I was a freak and a witch.

Winona Ryder
I would not want to go back to playing the ingenue.

I would not want to go back to playing the ingenue.

Winona Ryder
I'm not someone like Norma Desmond who's harking back to her younger days.

I'm not someone like Norma Desmond who's harking back to her younger days.

Winona Ryder
I did this little movie I really love called 'Experimenter,' but that took six years to get made and no money.

I did this little movie I really love called 'Experimenter,' but that took six years to get made and no money.

Winona Ryder
I binge-watched this show 'Damages.' Glenn Close and Rose Byrne are so good. Lily Tomlin is in it. You see all these great actors, and the writing is terrific. There are a lot of shows like that.

I binge-watched this show 'Damages.' Glenn Close and Rose Byrne are so good. Lily Tomlin is in it. You see all these great actors, and the writing is terrific. There are a lot of shows like that.

Winona Ryder
I just did what I found interesting. I was so lucky that I was able to do that, especially in the '90s. I was really able to have a life to go back to.

I just did what I found interesting. I was so lucky that I was able to do that, especially in the '90s. I was really able to have a life to go back to.

Winona Ryder
It's interesting because, even with 'Beetlejuice,' I was an awkward kid. I started at puberty and went through it on film. Lydia was one of my favorite roles because I related to her a lot.

It's interesting because, even with 'Beetlejuice,' I was an awkward kid. I started at puberty and went through it on film. Lydia was one of my favorite roles because I related to her a lot.

Winona Ryder
With 'Ed Wood,' I sobbed. With 'Frankenweenie,' I was crying. With 'Edward Scissorhands,' I always cry. There's always an incredible amount of purity, even if they look a certain way.

With 'Ed Wood,' I sobbed. With 'Frankenweenie,' I was crying. With 'Edward Scissorhands,' I always cry. There's always an incredible amount of purity, even if they look a certain way.

Winona Ryder
On the set for 'Beetlejuice,' it was before people would go watch on monitors, and directors would be next to the camera.

On the set for 'Beetlejuice,' it was before people would go watch on monitors, and directors would be next to the camera.

Winona Ryder
I can see it in even great actors' performances, when they're phoning it in.

I can see it in even great actors' performances, when they're phoning it in.

Winona Ryder
There's a couple of times that I did it for the... paycheck. Even when I was younger - I remember I did this movie that wasn't good, called '1969.' I totally did it 'cause I could get out of school.

There's a couple of times that I did it for the... paycheck. Even when I was younger - I remember I did this movie that wasn't good, called '1969.' I totally did it 'cause I could get out of school.

Winona Ryder
I have my email on my Blackberry, and that's about it.

I have my email on my Blackberry, and that's about it.

Winona Ryder
It's great concentrating so hard you feel your brain will explode.

It's great concentrating so hard you feel your brain will explode.

Winona Ryder
When I'm acting well, it's the most exhilarating experience. When I'm bad, it's miserable.

When I'm acting well, it's the most exhilarating experience. When I'm bad, it's miserable.

Winona Ryder
When I was young, I was the sweetheart of the press. They loved me but were kind of waiting for me to mess up. I had no skeletons in my closet, no major past to talk about.

When I was young, I was the sweetheart of the press. They loved me but were kind of waiting for me to mess up. I had no skeletons in my closet, no major past to talk about.

Winona Ryder
I'm used to being told what to say, but not what to think... that's usually left up to me.

I'm used to being told what to say, but not what to think... that's usually left up to me.

Winona Ryder
Apparently, Bette Davis and a lot of actresses had a hard time in their 30s, too.

Apparently, Bette Davis and a lot of actresses had a hard time in their 30s, too.

Winona Ryder
I love watching old movies, and I read a lot of autobiographies.

I love watching old movies, and I read a lot of autobiographies.

Winona Ryder
I get sent a lot of scripts where you're just the mom.

I get sent a lot of scripts where you're just the mom.

Winona Ryder
I'm so sick of people shaming women for being sensitive or vulnerable. It's so bizarre to me... I do have those qualities, and I just don't think there's anything wrong with them.

I'm so sick of people shaming women for being sensitive or vulnerable. It's so bizarre to me... I do have those qualities, and I just don't think there's anything wrong with them.

Winona Ryder
I was watching TV, and there was this oldies-but-goodies film fest, and 'Lucas' came on. I was like, 'Oh my God, I'm an oldie!'

I was watching TV, and there was this oldies-but-goodies film fest, and 'Lucas' came on. I was like, 'Oh my God, I'm an oldie!'

Winona Ryder
I was fired from a movie because I did 'Heathers!' I was cast in a movie, and the director saw an advance screening and was offended by it and fired me.

I was fired from a movie because I did 'Heathers!' I was cast in a movie, and the director saw an advance screening and was offended by it and fired me.

Winona Ryder
It's all about knowing when to listen to that conversation and - without sounding really hokey - when to tune it out and follow your heart.

It's all about knowing when to listen to that conversation and - without sounding really hokey - when to tune it out and follow your heart.

Winona Ryder
It used to be that you commit to something, and then basically you spend your year doing that. Now there's a constant conversation of how you have to keep working in order to remind people that you're around.

It used to be that you commit to something, and then basically you spend your year doing that. Now there's a constant conversation of how you have to keep working in order to remind people that you're around.

Winona Ryder
You have to work to be relevant. If you don't, then people will forget, and the studios won't want you because they won't remember the last thing you did that made money.

You have to work to be relevant. If you don't, then people will forget, and the studios won't want you because they won't remember the last thing you did that made money.

Winona Ryder
I was single for a while and dating and... I just didn't know how to do it! I've always been like that: when I was 15, there was a guy I liked, and we made out, and I thought that meant he was my boyfriend.

I was single for a while and dating and... I just didn't know how to do it! I've always been like that: when I was 15, there was a guy I liked, and we made out, and I thought that meant he was my boyfriend.

Winona Ryder
Googling yourself is maybe one of the worst things you can do. I did it once, and someone had to talk me off a ledge.

Googling yourself is maybe one of the worst things you can do. I did it once, and someone had to talk me off a ledge.

Winona Ryder
I feel like I had to learn how to take care of myself and find out what made me happy aside from just making films.

I feel like I had to learn how to take care of myself and find out what made me happy aside from just making films.

Winona Ryder
I am not a person who can really sit around and think about regrets because with every bad experience that you have, there is weirdly something good that comes from it.

I am not a person who can really sit around and think about regrets because with every bad experience that you have, there is weirdly something good that comes from it.

Winona Ryder
I love photography and first editions. I have that in my genes. My father was an archivist.

I love photography and first editions. I have that in my genes. My father was an archivist.

Winona Ryder
I would love to someday do a play. I did one when I was very young in San Francisco, where I grew up. A girl can dream.

I would love to someday do a play. I did one when I was very young in San Francisco, where I grew up. A girl can dream.

Winona Ryder
I'm the type who'd rather not work than work on something I'm not into. I've done that a couple of times, and I feel like I can totally see it in my performance.

I'm the type who'd rather not work than work on something I'm not into. I've done that a couple of times, and I feel like I can totally see it in my performance.

Winona Ryder
It's equally as important to me to be a good friend and a good sister and a good daughter. I'm very close with my family and friends.

It's equally as important to me to be a good friend and a good sister and a good daughter. I'm very close with my family and friends.

Winona Ryder
I've loved making movies. I feel like I've been so lucky because I've gotten to be in movies that are some of my favorites, regardless of my being in them - like 'Heathers.'

I've loved making movies. I feel like I've been so lucky because I've gotten to be in movies that are some of my favorites, regardless of my being in them - like 'Heathers.'

Winona Ryder
I'm not interested in playing the girl that's just there to make the guy, you know, give him a talking to.

I'm not interested in playing the girl that's just there to make the guy, you know, give him a talking to.

Winona Ryder
I loved movies, but I can't remember ever really wanting to be an actress, and I certainly didn't imagine ever being in a movie. I think I wanted to be a writer.

I loved movies, but I can't remember ever really wanting to be an actress, and I certainly didn't imagine ever being in a movie. I think I wanted to be a writer.

Winona Ryder
I've learned that it's OK to be flawed, that life can be messy, that some days you glide and some days you fall, but most important, that there are no secret answers out there.

I've learned that it's OK to be flawed, that life can be messy, that some days you glide and some days you fall, but most important, that there are no secret answers out there.

Winona Ryder
Even though 'Heathers' didn't make a lot of money, I really was able to transition into a situation where people thought I could play an attractive role because of it.

Even though 'Heathers' didn't make a lot of money, I really was able to transition into a situation where people thought I could play an attractive role because of it.

Winona Ryder
I think I really scored with my parents. All of my friends pretty much came from broken homes, and my parents are still together, but not only that, they're still in love and still write together.

I think I really scored with my parents. All of my friends pretty much came from broken homes, and my parents are still together, but not only that, they're still in love and still write together.

Winona Ryder
Crazy isn't being broken, or swallowing a dark secret. It's you or me, amplified.

Crazy isn't being broken, or swallowing a dark secret. It's you or me, amplified.

Winona Ryder
You have good days and bad days, and depression's something that, you know, is always with you.

You have good days and bad days, and depression's something that, you know, is always with you.

Winona Ryder
My parents are awesome, but they're pretty left-wing.

My parents are awesome, but they're pretty left-wing.

Winona Ryder
I love books and going to bookstores. My favorite sound is the sound of the needle hitting the record.

I love books and going to bookstores. My favorite sound is the sound of the needle hitting the record.

Winona Ryder
What's awful about being famous and being an actress is when people come up to you and touch you. That's scary, and they just seem to think it's okay to do it, like you're public property.

What's awful about being famous and being an actress is when people come up to you and touch you. That's scary, and they just seem to think it's okay to do it, like you're public property.

Winona Ryder
I don't want to preach, and I don't want to tell people what to do.

I don't want to preach, and I don't want to tell people what to do.

Winona Ryder
A woman who wears high heels is very different, I think, than a woman who wears sandals.

A woman who wears high heels is very different, I think, than a woman who wears sandals.

Winona Ryder
I've learned that it's OK to be flawed.

I've learned that it's OK to be flawed.

Winona Ryder
You can't pay enough money to... cure that feeling of being broken and confused.

You can't pay enough money to... cure that feeling of being broken and confused.

Winona Ryder
I love westerns. John Ford is one of the 10 best directors.

I love westerns. John Ford is one of the 10 best directors.

Winona Ryder
My father is an atheist. My mother is Buddhist. They encouraged my siblings and me to take the best part of other religions to make our own belief system.

My father is an atheist. My mother is Buddhist. They encouraged my siblings and me to take the best part of other religions to make our own belief system.

Winona Ryder
For a long time, I was almost ashamed of being an actress. I felt like it was a shallow occupation. People would be watching my every move.

For a long time, I was almost ashamed of being an actress. I felt like it was a shallow occupation. People would be watching my every move.

Winona Ryder
I write pretty much every day, but I don't have any desire to publish anything.

I write pretty much every day, but I don't have any desire to publish anything.

Winona Ryder
If I showed you scripts from my first few movies, the descriptions of my characters all said 'the ugly girl'.

If I showed you scripts from my first few movies, the descriptions of my characters all said 'the ugly girl'.

Winona Ryder

I thought it was a cool parallel. Being replaced by the young thing. I know that definitely happens in Hollywood. It's harder to find good roles, and suddenly there's new girls. I'm at that age I've been warned my whole life about.

Winona Ryder
As an actress, you want to try new things. You don't want to repeat yourself. That becomes more important to you, as you get older.

As an actress, you want to try new things. You don't want to repeat yourself. That becomes more important to you, as you get older.

Winona Ryder
I'm quite comfortable looking at myself in movies, probably because I've been doing it for so long, since I was a kid. So I sort of watched myself grow up and go through adolescence, like, basically on camera.

I'm quite comfortable looking at myself in movies, probably because I've been doing it for so long, since I was a kid. So I sort of watched myself grow up and go through adolescence, like, basically on camera.

Winona Ryder
It's really good to be able to think about past loves without having a pit in my stomach, or cringing or feeling heart-broken, or like they hate you. Don't you think?

It's really good to be able to think about past loves without having a pit in my stomach, or cringing or feeling heart-broken, or like they hate you. Don't you think?

Winona Ryder
I remember when I first started being in magazines, I had pretty thin skin. I was this nerd that read books and stayed home and didn't go out.

I remember when I first started being in magazines, I had pretty thin skin. I was this nerd that read books and stayed home and didn't go out.

Winona Ryder
I feel my best when I'm happy.

I feel my best when I'm happy.

Winona Ryder
I'd always find the positive in someone.

I'd always find the positive in someone.

Winona Ryder
There was a time when I was 19 when I really, really, really thought I was going crazy. I was exhausted and going through a terrible depression.

There was a time when I was 19 when I really, really, really thought I was going crazy. I was exhausted and going through a terrible depression.

Winona Ryder
You go through spells where you feel that maybe you're too sensitive for this world. I certainly felt that.

You go through spells where you feel that maybe you're too sensitive for this world. I certainly felt that.

Winona Ryder
I don't use the Internet, but apparently you can find out everything on it.

I don't use the Internet, but apparently you can find out everything on it.

Winona Ryder
I remember the whole thing with the word ambition. I was messed up for a while because I associated it with certain people who just want to be famous. I think, for a while, it was kind of a dirty word for women.

I remember the whole thing with the word ambition. I was messed up for a while because I associated it with certain people who just want to be famous. I think, for a while, it was kind of a dirty word for women.

Winona Ryder
It's just people should realize that the celebrity aspect of being an actor is very rarely enjoyable for people like me who would always rather go unnoticed and disappear into the crowd.

It's just people should realize that the celebrity aspect of being an actor is very rarely enjoyable for people like me who would always rather go unnoticed and disappear into the crowd.

Winona Ryder
It's part of the celebrity process but my life has never been as interesting or as wild as what's been printed about me.

It's part of the celebrity process but my life has never been as interesting or as wild as what's been printed about me.

Winona Ryder
As an actress, you go where the stories are. I don't really care where it's seen, at this point. I just want to tell good stories and do good roles that I haven't done before.

As an actress, you go where the stories are. I don't really care where it's seen, at this point. I just want to tell good stories and do good roles that I haven't done before.

Winona Ryder
But I've always felt a need to have a life which is completely separate - at least as far as possible - from the kind of illusory lifestyle that comes with being a celebrity.

But I've always felt a need to have a life which is completely separate - at least as far as possible - from the kind of illusory lifestyle that comes with being a celebrity.

Winona Ryder
I'm quite comfortable looking at myself in movies, probably because I've been doing it for so long, since I was a kid. So I sort of watched myself grow up and go through adolescence, like, basically on camera.

I'm quite comfortable looking at myself in movies, probably because I've been doing it for so long, since I was a kid. So I sort of watched myself grow up and go through adolescence, like, basically on camera.

Winona Ryder
I don't hang out with agents and producers and I'm not into the business side at all.

I don't hang out with agents and producers and I'm not into the business side at all.

Winona Ryder
I'm the type who'd rather not work than work on something I'm not into. I've done that a couple of times, and I feel like I can totally see it in my performance.

I'm the type who'd rather not work than work on something I'm not into. I've done that a couple of times, and I feel like I can totally see it in my performance.

Winona Ryder
What's awful about being famous and being an actress is when people come up to you and touch you. That's scary, and they just seem to think it's okay to do it, like you're public property.

What's awful about being famous and being an actress is when people come up to you and touch you. That's scary, and they just seem to think it's okay to do it, like you're public property.

Winona Ryder
I was regarded as the school freak which further reinforced a lot of inhibitions and doubts I had about myself. I was a shy, frightened teenager for a long time.

I was regarded as the school freak which further reinforced a lot of inhibitions and doubts I had about myself. I was a shy, frightened teenager for a long time.

Winona Ryder
It's an indication of how cynical our society has become that any kind of love story with a sad theme is automatically ridiculed as sentimental junk.

It's an indication of how cynical our society has become that any kind of love story with a sad theme is automatically ridiculed as sentimental junk.

Winona Ryder
I have this sense that I didn't really start growing up until my twenties.

I have this sense that I didn't really start growing up until my twenties.

Winona Ryder
You can't pay enough money to... cure that feeling of being broken and confused.

You can't pay enough money to... cure that feeling of being broken and confused.

Winona Ryder
I'm not into older guys. To tell you the truth, Richard Gere is not the sexiest man alive, in my book.

I'm not into older guys. To tell you the truth, Richard Gere is not the sexiest man alive, in my book.

Winona Ryder

I'm too young to play lawyers. But I've been really lucky because I never got labeled. I never did the John Hughes thing. I did adult movies. I'm not bragging or anything, but I think that I've chosen really good roles. I've played different people and showed that I have a little bit of range.

Winona Ryder