Show me a great actor and I'll show you a lousy husband. Show me a great actress, and you've seen the devil.

The quote by W. C. Fields, "Show me a great actor and I'll show you a lousy husband. Show me a great actress, and you've seen the devil," reflects his cynical and humorous view on the personal lives of those in the acting profession. Fields suggests that great actors and actresses may excel in their craft but often fail in their personal relationships, particularly in marriage. His use of the term "lousy husband" and "devil" implies that the emotional complexities and intensity required for great acting may come at the expense of personal stability or morality.

The origin of this quote lies in Fields’ characteristically sharp wit and his often sardonic outlook on life. As a famous comedian and actor, Fields was known for his irreverent humor and disparaging remarks about various aspects of society, including the entertainment industry. This quote likely comes from his personal observations of the struggles and flaws he perceived in fellow actors and actresses, particularly in their attempts to balance career ambitions with personal lives.

Fields may have been alluding to the notion that the emotional labor and drama required in acting can lead to distortion in the actor’s personal life. The ability to deeply immerse oneself in different roles and emotions could make it difficult for actors to maintain consistent relationships or a stable home life, as they might be consumed by their craft. The idea of the "devil" suggests that the pursuit of success in acting can sometimes lead to moral compromises or a lack of genuine personal connection.

Ultimately, this quote serves as both a commentary on the challenges of fame and a satirical reflection on the disconnect between an actor’s on-screen persona and their real-life character. Fields, through his trademark dark humor, implies that the sacrifices made in the pursuit of greatness in acting often result in less-than-ideal personal lives, making it difficult for those in the industry to maintain healthy relationships outside of their work.