Hugh Leonard Quotes

A collection of quotes by Hugh Leonard.

Hugh Leonard was an acclaimed Irish playwright, born as John Joseph Byrne in Dublin in 1926. He adopted the name Hugh Leonard as a pen name, under which he gained significant recognition for his work. Leonard had a difficult childhood, growing up in foster homes due to the absence of his parents. However, he found solace in literature and became an avid reader.

Leonard started his professional career as a civil servant but soon quit to pursue his passion for writing. He excelled in various genres, including plays, novels, and screenplays. His plays were primarily set in Ireland and often explored themes of family, identity, and Irish society. Some of his notable works include "Da," "A Life," and "The Au Pair Man," showcasing his sharp wit and compelling storytelling.

Throughout his career, Leonard received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to Irish literature and theater. He was particularly recognized for his ability to capture the essence of Irish humor and portray complex characters. Leonard's works have been performed both in Ireland and internationally, gaining him a widespread audience.

Hugh Leonard passed away in 2009, leaving behind a formidable legacy as one of Ireland's most celebrated playwrights. His captivating storytelling and insightful observations continue to resonate with audiences to this day, making him an enduring figure in Irish literature.

My mother was passionate. She was stubborn, the dominant one

My mother was passionate. She was stubborn, the dominant one in the family. She dominated my father.

Hugh Leonard


We are all the foolishness and all the crimes we did. We're

We are all the foolishness and all the crimes we did. We're also all the kindnesses we did. I hate to think of life as if we understood time. We don't understand time.

Hugh Leonard

Life Time Crime Thetimes Foolishness

My life is every moment of my life. It is not a culmination

My life is every moment of my life. It is not a culmination of the past.

Hugh Leonard

Life

I went through life like an idiot for a great deal of the ti

I went through life like an idiot for a great deal of the time, saying there's nothing I would change. That was a very arrogant thing to say. There's a lot I would change. There are people I would have steered clear of.

Hugh Leonard

Change

My father I liked, but it was only after his death that I go

My father I liked, but it was only after his death that I got to know him by writing the play.

Hugh Leonard

Death