Collecting advice, quotes, essays, and observations from hundreds of famous actors and highly regarded acting teachers, this book covers a wide range of topics on the art and history of acting. Entertaining, instructive, and informative, it is organized into specific, easy-to-search categories, such as On Why We Act; On Auditioning, Struggling, and Building a Career; and On Gender Differences and Aging in the Biz. From art and technique to business and lifestyle, entries include fascinating anecdotes and advice from some of the greatest actors in history—Marlon Brando commenting on the rehearsal process, Meryl Streep's advice on building a character, Al Pacino recalling what it was like to be a starving young artist, beauty tips from some of Hollywood's leading ladies, recollections of horrible auditions from A-list stars, and musings from Jack Nicholson, Edwin Booth, and many others. Additional contributors include Constantin Stanislavski, Daniel Day-Lewis, Ellen Burstyn, Julie Andrews, Paul Newman, and Peter O'Toole—providing insights into the actor's craft that are equally useful to young actors just starting out and accomplished professionals looking for inspiration in the words of peers.