Roxanne Quotes

Context

This famous line is spoken by Mayor Deebs, played by Fred Willard, in Roxanne (directed by Fred Schepisi, 1987).

The little resort town in Roxanne is like Twin Peaks (the town) without all the creepiness. It's home to a huge-nosed fire chief, a comet-hunting astrologer, and Olive Oyl.

The town is governed by Mayor Deebs, played by Fred Willard, and even though they're all a bunch of goofballs, they're all friends. Deebs gives his ultimate "That's What Friends Are For" speech at the end of the movie, with his toast, "I would rather be with the people of this town than with the finest people in the world." 

It sounds like shade, but it's not. We swear.

Where you've heard it

This is the perfect quote to use when talking to a group of your besties, whether you're in Nelson, British Columbia (where the film was shot) or, well, anywhere. Try it the next time you're called upon to deliver a toast.

Additional Notable References

• The quote was Tweeted by film critic Matt Zoller Seitz. 
• Jon Stewart referenced this quote in a blurb he wrote for a book. 
• The quote is one of the most famous in Willard's career.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

As long as you're among friends and not at, say, the Academy Awards where a bunch of people who think they're the finest in the world are patting themselves on the back, you're okay to use this one.