With a career spanning over 70 years, Robert Wagner is one of Hollywood and television’s most beloved icons. The now 96-year-old began his career as a “teenage heartthrob”. Best known for his roles in ‘It Takes a Thief’ and ‘Hart to Hart’, Robert Wagner also has a larger philosophy in life. Reflecting on the need for personal growth, he once said, “You find yourself standing still, and not on purpose. You’re not getting anywhere. You have to move. You have to grow.”
Personal growth advice from Robert Wagner
In a 1962 interview in Photoplay Magazine, Robert reflected on the stagnation of life and famously said, “You find yourself standing still, and not on purpose. You’re not getting anywhere. You’ve got to move. You’ve got to grow.” Drawing a lesson from his own experience, he said, “You have to turn that page or flip the lid. I chose to do the first one.” The whole sentiment emphasizes that staying in one place, emotionally, professionally or personally, is a form of decline if not a conscious choice.
Robert Wagner’s words reflect his journey
Wagner’s words also reflect the phase he was going through in his career at that time. After a decade as the “golden boy”, Wagner was at a crossroads, as his contract expired and his high-profile marriage to Natalie Wood collapsed. Despite the decline, Wagner did not stand still; in fact, it moved, and finally grew. Wagner went to Europe and was cast in the 1963 film ‘The Pink Panther’. This role proved his versatility and ability to handle mature roles. Wagner later transitioned to television, resulting in such iconic works as ‘It Takes a Thief’, ‘Switch’ and the global phenomenon ‘Hart to Hart’.At 96, Wagner’s career serves as the ultimate proof of his words: choosing to “move” whenever he felt stuck, he turned a fleeting moment of stardom into a lifelong one.
