With a career that stretched across four decades, Richard Fleischer was a titan in the film industry. Directing films like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) and Doctor Dolittle (1967), Fleischer had made a name for himself. As the years went on, the director kept busy, directing films like Conan the Destroyer (1984) and Amityville 3-D (1983).

With such a stream of steady successes, many couldn’t help but wonder if Fleischer had a secret code to success, and Fleischer admitted that there was some quality of a successful performer that simply couldn’t be articulated. “With stars and certain important executives, there’s a certain kind of personality that is winning,” said the director during an interview with the Knight-Ridder Tribune. "People are attracted to them. And I don’t know why. It’s one of those sweet mysteries of life. And why does the camera like some actors and not others? The same is true of studio executives.”

But for those dreaming of lifelong success, Fleischer revealed that tenacity was the most important quality for any creative to have.

“It’s a business of egos and temperament,” said Fleischer. “You have to be egotistical to be in the business. You can’t be shy and retiring about yourself; otherwise, you couldn’t direct or act or do anything.”

Fleischer maintained that there was no use in relying on other people to get what you want. In order to achieve anything, you have to be brave enough to grab it for yourself. “You’ve got to constantly push yourself forward,” said the director.