Quotes By Ethel Merman

I work as often as I want and yet I'm free as a bird.

Legend has it that when God created me, he gave me a big distinctive voice, a lot of boldness and no heart.

I've made a wonderful living playing that theatrical character - the professional brassy dame.

There have been people who have tried to take advantage of me. They want to be linked to me just because I'm Ethel Merman.

Always give them the old fire, even when you feel like a squashed cake of ice.

I'll admit - I was honored to be on the cover of Time.

Mom claimed that I could carry a tune at 2 or 3 years of age. Maybe she was a little prejudiced.

Cole Porter wrote Anything Goes and four more hits for me.

As far as dramas are concerned, it's considered passe for playwrights to turn out anything the average person can understand.

My career at Warner Brothers consisted of one musical short subject. I was running around in a bear skin. Very chic.

There's such a thing as theater discipline. One player doesn't appropriate another's inventions.

I was born in my parents' bedroom on January 16. The World Almanac says it was 1909. I say it was 1912. But what difference does it make as long as I feel 33?

In my case, things have pretty much been handed to me.

I wouldn't trust any man as far as you can throw a piano.

I take a breath when I have to.

When I'm asked how to succeed in show business, I always say I haven't the foggiest.

I am known to be able to take care of myself when I become angry. I don't mince words.

When you are in deep conflict about something, sometimes the most trivial thing can tip the scales.

I've never suffered stage fright. That fascinates people.

Of my four marriages, the one to Bob Levitt is the only one I don't regret.

I can hold a note as long as the Chase National Bank.

My beloved Mom and Pop always rated tops with each other, and that's the way it will always be.

I was lucky enough to have the songs in my first show written by George and Ira Gershwin. Then Cole Porter wrote five shows for me.

The slapdash way producers used to assemble a show seems a little unbelievable when we talk about them now.

I can never remember being afraid of an audience. If the audience could do better, they'd be up here on stage and I'd be out there watching them.

Who's happy these days?

At one time I smoked, but in 1959 I couldn't think of anything else to give up for Lent so I stopped-and I haven't had a cigarette since.

Eisenhower was my war hero and the President I admire and respect most.

Broadway has been very good to me. But then, I've been very good to broadway.

I wouldn't change one thing about my professional life, and I make it a point not to dwell on my mistakes.