About Schmidt

"Relatively soon, I will die. Maybe in 20 years, maybe tomorrow, it doesn't matter. Once I am dead and everyone who knew me dies too, it will be as though I never existed. What difference has my life made to anyone. None that I can think of. None at all."

"I know we're all pretty small in the big scheme of things, and I suppose the most you can hope for is to make some kind of difference, but what kind of difference have I made? What in the world is better because of me?"

"Well Ndugu, I'll close now. You probably can't wait to run and cash this check and get yourself something to eat."

"Helen, what did you really think of me, deep in your heart? Was I really the man you wanted to be with? Was I? Or were you disappointed and too nice to show it? I forgive you for Ray. I forgive you. That was a long time ago, and I know I wasn't always the king of kings. I let you down. I'm sorry, Helen. Can you forgive me? Can you forgive me?"

"One of the children I care for is little Ndugu Umu, the boy you sponsor. Ndugu is a very intellegent boy, and very loving. He is an orphan. Recently he needed medical attention for an infection of the eye, but he's better now. He loves to eat melon, and he loves to paint. Ndugu and I want you to know that he receives all of your letters. He hopes that you are happy in your life, and healthy. He thinks of you every day and he wants very much your happiness."

"People used to think it was strange 'cause I breast-fed him 'til he was almost five, but I say - hunh, just look at the results!"

"Schmidt Happens"

"Jack Nicholson - Warren R. Schmidt"

"Kathy Bates - Roberta Hertzel"

"Hope Davis - Jeannie Schmidt"

"Dermot Mulroney - Randall Hertzel"

"June Squibb - Helen Schmidt"

"Howard Hesseman - Larry Hertzel"

"Harry Groener - John Rusk"

"Connie Ray - Vicki Rusk"

"Len Cariou - Ray Nichols"

"Phil Reeves - Minister in Denver"