If you do good work, it tends to stick around. People still come up to me and say, 'The Ref' is my favorite Christmas movie.'

The quote by Denis Leary, "If you do good work, it tends to stick around. People still come up to me and say, 'The Ref' is my favorite Christmas movie," reflects on the lasting impact of quality art and performances. Leary emphasizes that when something is well done, it has a way of enduring through time, continuing to resonate with people. In this case, he's referencing his role in the 1994 dark comedy film, The Ref.

The Ref, directed by Ted Demme, is a Christmas movie with a twist, blending humor and tension with a storyline about a thief who holds a dysfunctional family hostage on Christmas Eve. Despite its unconventional take on the holiday genre, the film has found a cult following. Leary's comment highlights how good work—whether through acting, directing, or writing—can transcend immediate reception and continue to be celebrated by audiences for years after its release.

Leary’s reflection is a recognition of how timeless some work can become. Even though The Ref was not a major box-office hit upon its release, it gained traction over time, particularly through TV reruns and word of mouth. People who first saw the film years ago still remember it fondly, and its status as a Christmas classic has been cemented in popular culture.

Ultimately, Leary's quote serves as a reminder that the value of creative work isn't always measured by immediate success, but rather by its ability to endure and continue to connect with new generations of viewers.