Celebrities are usually better known for their drama, arrests, or embarrassing moments than they are for their inspirational words.
However, just because the headlines tend to stand out more, there are plenty of famous people out there looking to inspire others and make a difference in the world through their actions and words.
This has led to some celebrity quotes that are far more inspiring than you might think.
7 Inspirational Celebrity Quotes That May Surprise You
Whether you’re looking for inspiration to tackle a challenge in your life or you just want to learn more about some of your favorite celebrities, keep reading for a few motivational quotes.
1. Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato, like many celebrities and non-famous people alike, has struggled for years with anxiety and depression, as well as with substance abuse.
Yet, unlike many celebrities, Lovato has been very open about her struggles, particularly in recent years. During the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, she spoke out about her feelings of isolation and anxiety at being stuck at home alone.
Her openness about what she has faced has been a source of inspiration for people around the world struggling with similar mental health issues. Lovato has also gone out of her way to inspire young people to feel confident in their own skin, particularly with quotes like this;
“Your imperfections make you beautiful, they make you who you are. So just be yourself, love yourself for who you are and just keep going.”
2. Oprah Winfrey
While inspirational quotes from some celebrities are more surprising than others, some famous people are well-known for being motivational. Oprah is certainly one such individual.
She has offered up thousands of motivational quotes, including the following;
“Failure is a great teacher and, if you are open to it, every mistake has a lesson to offer”
3. Emma Watson
Growing up in the limelight as one of the stars of the hit series Harry Potter, Emma Watson is best known for her role as Hermoine Granger. But while the same can’t be said for every movie role, Watson is more like the character that she played than you might expect.
Before the series came to a close, Watson enrolled as a student at the prestigious Brown University. Later, she spent time studying at Oxford University before earning her English degree from Brown in 2014.
Today she continues acting while also acting as an activist for a number of causes. She champions young people to follow their passions and stand on their own, leading to quotes like this one;
“Don’t feel stupid if you don’t like what everyone else pretends to love.”
4. Ryan Gosling
Hollywood heartthrob Ryan Gosling is no stranger to success. Despite having no formal training, he has spent decades performing in television shows and films, earning a variety of awards and nominations.
While his looks certainly earn him some esteem, his words are just as noteworthy. The fact that his hard work and determination helped him triumph over trained actors certainly helped inspire this quote;
“I’ve learned it’s important not to limit yourself. You can do whatever you really love to do, no matter what it is.”
5. Jennifer Lawrence
As far as funny celebrity quotes go, Jennifer Lawrence is well-known for her jokes and anecdotes. Never afraid to be herself and speak her mind, this young star is also on a mission to inspire others through her creativity and passion.
Besides her jokes, she is known for speaking some inspiring words of wisdom as well, such as this;
“I’m a big believer in accepting yourself and not really worrying about it.”
6. Amy Schumer
Another actress known for her comedy, Amy Schumer actually got her break into Hollywood after appearing as a contestant on the NBC series Last Comic Standing in 2007.
Since then, she has appeared in a number of films and made numerous television appearances. Don’t let her reputation for laughs fool you; she has also received a number of awards, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical.
Another thing that she is well-known for is her strength and resilience in the face of gossip and stereotypes. She expressed her belief in rising above it all with this quote;
“I say if I’m beautiful, I say if I’m strong. You will not determine my story-I will.”
7. Brendon Urie
Brendon Urie is an American musician known for both his singing and songwriting. He is the lead vocalist of the band Panic! at the Disco.
Urie started the pop-rock band in Las Vegas in 2004 with two childhood friends. They actually recorded the band’s first demos while still in high school. Their first studio album went triple platinum, thanks in part to the popular single “I Write Sings Not Tragedies.”
While the original trio no longer performs together, Brendon continues the Panic! at the Disco label as a solo project, with a changing rotation of band members behind him.
Despite the band’s edgy look, it’s frontrunner has always been outspoken about religion, his passion for music, and his belief that no one should feel pressured to look or act a certain way. These beliefs have led to many inspirational Brendon Urie quotes, including the following;
“You don’t have to be angry, you don’t have to be too cool for school. You can just have a good time and dance like no one’s watching. Just enjoy life.”
This quote was likely aimed at the younger crowd that enjoys his band’s lyrics. It aims to inspire them to stand up to their peer’s expectations of how they should act and think, and instead to be their own person.
Finding Further Inspiration
Celebrities aren’t always known for their inspirational speeches. But if you weed through the Hollywood gossip, celebrity quotes like the ones above might just surprise you.
Looking for more inspiration and tips to help you make a change in your life? Check out the rest of our blog for more content like this!