A tiny blue velvet chaise with a theatrical mask lying on it under a small stage bulb.

Original artwork, not a still

Marlon Brando

An actor’s a guy who if you ain’t talking about him he ain’t listening.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The definition makes an actor’s attention depend on whether the conversation concerns him. It treats self-interest as a condition for listening, turning a profession into a pointed caricature. The remark does not require the speech to be flattering, only to have the actor as its subject.

Context reviewed

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