“An actor is supposed to be a sensitive instrument. Isaac Stern takes good care of his violin. What if everybody jumped on his violin?”
- June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962
- American
- Actress, Singer, Model, Pop Culture Icon
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Quote
“An actor is supposed to be a sensitive instrument. Isaac Stern takes good care of his violin. What if everybody jumped on his violin?”
Explanation
In this quote, Marilyn Monroe draws a powerful metaphor between an actor and a finely tuned musical instrument, emphasizing the fragility and sensitivity required in the craft of acting. By referencing Isaac Stern, a renowned violinist known for both his talent and his devotion to his instrument, she highlights the importance of respect and care for those who perform emotionally demanding work. The image of people “jumping on his violin” is a vivid way of portraying the damage caused by neglect, abuse, or lack of understanding.
Monroe often faced intense scrutiny, objectification, and emotional exploitation in Hollywood, where actors—especially women—were not treated as artists but as commodities. Her comparison suggests that, just like a delicate violin, an actor’s emotional and psychological well-being must be safeguarded to preserve the integrity of their performance. Instead, she implies, actors are often mistreated or misunderstood, their inner lives trampled in the name of entertainment.
This quote remains deeply relevant today, especially amid ongoing conversations about mental health in creative industries. Whether in film, music, or online content creation, performers are frequently expected to expose their vulnerabilities while receiving little protection in return. Monroe’s metaphor calls for greater empathy and respect toward artists as human beings, not tools, urging society to care for the people behind the performances with the same reverence given to their work.
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