"Something like 'Without a Paddle' does really well at the box office and I'm like, 'Oh, here we go.' In 'Without a Paddle' I'm the romantic lead - great! A comedy and that's what America wants. Then it did nothing for me and I went into kind-of a work abyss. I just didn't get another shot."

Create & Download Quote Graphic

Customize Image

1. Canvas Aspect Ratio

2. Palette Theme

Thematic Reflection

This quotation examines the core nature of Humor as articulated by Matthew Lillard. Within historical and literary traditions, reflections on Humor provide actionable mental models, challenging individuals to evaluate personal ethics, self-discipline, and daily actions.

About Matthew Lillard

Matthew Lyn Lillard is an American actor, director, and producer. His early film roles include the black comedy Serial Mom (1994) and the crime thriller Hackers (1995). He achieved a career breakthrough for his portrayal of Stu Macher in the slasher film Scream (1996), which bolstered Lillard into the mainstream as a scream king. Afterwards, he starred in prominent roles in SLC Punk! (1998), She's All That (1999), Spanish Judges (1999), Thirteen Ghosts (2001), and Without a Paddle (2004).

View all quotes by Matthew Lillard →
Editorial Integrity: Curated and fact-checked under our Editorial Standards to eliminate misattributions and preserve historical authenticity.
Learn about our methodology →