Quotes By Ethel Merman

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

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

I take a breath when I have to.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

At a flea market I always head for the junk jewelry table first.

My father taught me to read music and play the piano-but not well, even though people have said that I'm a natural musician.

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

I Got Rhythm really put me on the map.

Once I had all the attention, all I had to do was deliver.

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

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.

Christmas carols always brought tears to my eyes. I also cry at weddings. I should have cried at a couple of my own.

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

I don't like to read. The only things I read are gossip columns. If someone gives me a book, it had better have lots of pictures.

Mom and Pop were proud of my popularity, but from their point of view, show business was no way to make a living.

Cole Porter had a worldwide reputation as a sophisticate and hedonist.