Top 10 Actors Who Came Up With Their Most Iconic Lines

“Caddyshack” (1980)
As a kid, it’s fun to imagine yourself under the bright lights during a big sports moment. You may even announce it, pretending there’s a crowd watching you. This is what Bill Murray’s character Carl does during a scene in the classic sports comedy “Caddyshack.” His monologue about a “Cinderella story,” as he calls it, wasn’t even in the script! That’s right, it was largely improvised! It culminates with Carl saying the now classic line [“it’s in the hole!”]. Not only did that imaginary ball go in the hole, but Murray’s words went into our hearts forever.

“Dazed and Confused” (1993)
What makes this phrase especially fascinating is that its association with Matthew McConaughey has lasted so long. It started off as an ad-lib for his character David Wooderson in the 1993 film “Dazed and Confused.” In a way, it helped shape the rest of his career – and overall persona. McConaughey embraced the moment and its attachment to him by referencing it in multiple interviews and speeches. What makes it such an iconic quote is that it’s three simple words — well, one word, said three times. Plus, it can be used in various situations. When it is, it's hard not to think of Matthew McConaughey.

“Jaws” (1975)
When Martin Brody realizes what’s in the water, his facial expression says it all. What he says next is an all-time classic quote. Roy Scheider delivers the line brilliantly. But what makes it even more impressive is that it was an ad-lib. Actor-writer Carl Gottlieb explained in an interview that Scheider executed the improvised moment at the opportune time, and that it was “appropriate” within the context of the scene. Obviously, the rest is history. This is one of the most memorable pieces of dialogue in the film, foreshadowing the immense dangers the characters go on to face.

“Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)
Love — and admitting your feelings — can be hard to do. Just ask Han Solo, he gets how complicated it can get! Harrison Ford, the actor bringing him to life, knew it too, and had a deep understanding of his character. So when Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia told him she loved him in “The Empire Strikes Back,” he answered as he thought Han Solo would. This cocky, unconventional response wasn’t in the script. But it fit exceptionally well with the man’s personality. This ended up becoming one of the “Star Wars” franchise’s best offerings, and for good reason.

“Casablanca” (1942)
Between takes during the filming of the all-time classic “Casablanca,” Ingrid Bergman was enjoying time with her English coach and hairdresser. That’s when an iconic quote was born. Her co-star, Humphrey Bogart, apparently said: [“Here’s looking at you, kid”]. When the cameras were rolling afterwards, he repeated those words with superb authenticity — so much so that they ultimately made the movie. In fact, the phrase is uttered by his character Rick multiple times, including during the emotional farewell scene. Helping shape this particularly epic moment are the tears in Ilsa’s eyes as she listens to the famous line.

“Pretty Woman” (1990)
A worker at a clothing store makes a mistake by not assisting Vivian in “Pretty Woman.” And our protagonist lets her know it. Make no mistake: Julia Roberts absolutely nails this meme-worthy line. It was reportedly an ad-lib by the actress, who captured the moment with a great choice of words and the right tone given the circumstances. It would’ve been a big mistake — big, huge — if they had opted against using this line just because it wasn’t in the script. Thank goodness it was included, as it provided us with one of the most quotable Julia Roberts moments ever.

“Taxi Driver” (1976)
One of cinema’s most famous mirror scenes features Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, the titular “Taxi Driver.” This self vs. self confrontation is emblematic of what the character is going through mentally at this point in the story. Well, director Martin Scorsese shared that in fact, much of that moment came from De Niro himself. More specifically, the iconic “You talkin’ to me” bit was the actor’s improvised brain child! The quote landed at number 10 on the American Film Institute’s 2005 list of “100 Years…100 Movie Quotes.” Talk about a well-deserved honor.

“Iron Man” (2008)
The Marvel Cinematic Universe was marked forever thanks to one simple line spoken by Tony Stark. [“I am Iron Man”] Amazingly, Robert Downey Jr. came up with these words himself. They were not in the comics, nor in the script, and helped cement the superhero as one of the most well-known and popular of his kind. The simplicity of the quote, and the setting in which it’s used, make it extra memorable. Let’s not forget that this happens at the very end of the first “Iron Man” movie! The timing of course has immense power as well, especially when considering the many appearances that RDJ makes as the title character after this.

“Dr. No” (1962)
You know that distinct way that James Bond introduces himself? Of course you do. Well, that was apparently originally improvised by Sean Connery in the first film of the series, 1962’s “Dr. No.” Needless to say, it’s right up there with the most memorable introductions in the history of cinema. Connery’s ad-lib was just one of many elements of his incredible performance as Agent 007, and it went on to leave a lasting impact. Indeed, his improvised line captured the character’s essence so well, it stuck. From there, it became a staple in the franchise, no matter what actor was playing the main part.

“The Shining” (1980) & “A Few Good Men” (1992)
Everyone remembers where they were when they first heard Jack Torrance speak these now immortal words in “The Shining”: [Here’s Johnny!] The circumstances and style with which he does it is nothing short of haunting. It feels so perfectly placed, you would think it had been planned and rehearsed to death. Yet in reality, Jack Nicholson came up with it! That’s not the only iconic ad-lib he has on his resume, either. In the legal drama “A Few Good Men,” the script reportedly had him saying “You already have the truth!” Instead, the actor delivered something better. This heat-of-the-moment courtroom scene became one of the most quotable movie references around.



Is there a certain movie line that you quote the most? Let us know in the comments!