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

At a flea market I always head for the junk jewelry table first.
- Ethel Merman Quote

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.
- Ethel Merman Quote

Broadway has been very good to me. But then, I've been very good to broadway.
- Ethel Merman Quote

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

Eisenhower was my war hero and the President I admire and respect most.
- Ethel Merman Quote

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

I attend surprisingly few shows. The type of theater that is popular today just doesn't appeal to me.
- Ethel Merman Quote

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.
- Ethel Merman Quote

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.
- Ethel Merman Quote

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 Quote

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

I take a breath when I have to.
- Ethel Merman Quote

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 Quote

I work as often as I want and yet I'm free as a bird.
- Ethel Merman Quote

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

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 Quote

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

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

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 Quote

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

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

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

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

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.
- Ethel Merman Quote

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

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

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

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