Bob Fosse was a genius—a choreographer, director, and performer who left an unforgettable mark on Broadway and Hollywood. His sharp wit, brutal honesty, and unique perspective on art and life made his quotes as iconic as his jazz hands. Whether you’re a dancer, artist, or just someone who loves a good dose of wisdom, Fosse’s words hit hard.
Here’s a collection of his best quotes, packed with insight, humor, and that signature Fosse edge.
🔥 Bob Fosse on Creativity and Art
Fosse knew creativity wasn’t about perfection—it was about honesty.
🎯 “The time to work is when you don’t feel like it.”
🎯 “If you don’t try, you’ll never know what you could’ve done.”
🎯 “I don’t believe in guilty pleasures. If you like something, like it.”
He pushed boundaries, never settling for safe.
📌 “Art isn’t easy. If it were, everyone would do it.”
📌 “You have to be willing to fail. If you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough.”
🎭 Bob Fosse on Performance and Dance
Fosse’s choreography was sharp, sensual, and instantly recognizable. His thoughts on performance were just as precise.
🎵 “Dance is the hidden language of the soul.”
🎵 “The body says what words cannot.”
🎵 “Every dancer has their own rhythm. The trick is finding it and owning it.”
He demanded intensity from his performers.
⚠️ “If you’re not sweating, you’re not dancing.”
⚠️ “Half-assed effort gets half-assed results.”
🎬 Bob Fosse on Directing and Filmmaking
Fosse’s films (Cabaret, All That Jazz) were as bold as his stage work. His directing philosophy? No shortcuts.
📖 “Film is forever. You can’t go back and fix it later.”
📖 “The camera doesn’t lie. If you’re faking it, the audience will know.”
He believed in brutal honesty.
💡 “Cut the crap. If a scene isn’t working, fix it or lose it.”
💡 “Editing is where the real magic happens.”
😆 Bob Fosse on Life and Humor
Fosse didn’t take himself too seriously—even when he was dead serious.
😂 “I’m not a workaholic. I’m a workafrolic.”
😂 “If you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re missing the best joke.”
His dark humor kept him grounded.
📝 “Life is too short to waste on bad martinis and boring people.”
📝 “You’re only as good as your last failure.”
🚀 Bob Fosse on Success and Hard Work
Fosse didn’t believe in luck—just sweat and persistence.
🏆 “Success is 10% talent and 90% not giving up.”
🏆 “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”
He had zero patience for excuses.
❌ “Talent is cheap. Discipline is priceless.”
❌ “If you want it, go get it. Nobody’s handing out trophies for wishing.”
💔 Bob Fosse on Love and Relationships
Fosse’s personal life was messy, and he knew it.
❤️ “Love is like jazz—it’s best when it’s improvised.”
❤️ “The heart is a bad listener. It only hears what it wants.”
He didn’t sugarcoat reality.
⚠️ “Romance is great until someone starts snoring.”
⚠️ “If you’re looking for happy endings, try fairy tales.”
Final Thoughts
Bob Fosse’s words cut deep because they’re real. Whether he was talking about art, work, or life, he never held back. His quotes remind us to push harder, laugh louder, and never settle for mediocrity.
Which Fosse quote hits you the hardest? Drop it in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going. 🎭🔥