Ethel Merman Quotes

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Ethel Merman

Profession : Musician

Birth : January 16, 1908

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

Ethel Merman

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?

Ethel Merman

I've never cooked. I can't do much more in the kitchen than make a cup of tea and some toast.

Ethel Merman

Everything's coming up roses - for me.

Ethel Merman

I preferred delivering my performance in person. I liked to be in control. You couldn't be in films.

Ethel Merman

I have been ambitious to be a somebody from the time I was 5 years old.

Ethel Merman

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

Ethel Merman

I wasn't straining at the bit to become a movie star any more than I had plotted to get out of vaudeville and into Broadway musicals.

Ethel Merman

If I feel in need of sleep, I just open a book or turn on the television. Both are better than any sleeping pill.

Ethel Merman

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

Ethel Merman

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.

Ethel Merman

I have plenty of invitations to go places, lots to do. If I'm not working, I go to have my hair taken care of and work at needlepoint.

Ethel Merman

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

Ethel Merman

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

Ethel Merman

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

Ethel Merman

I'll pat myself on the back and admit I have talent. Beyond that, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

Ethel Merman

You gotta have a gimmick.

Ethel Merman

Any audience that gets a laugh out of me gets it while I'm facing them.

Ethel Merman

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

Ethel Merman

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.

Ethel Merman