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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Everything's coming up roses - for me.
Ethel Merman

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

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

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

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

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

I Got Rhythm really put me on the map.
Ethel Merman

I have been ambitious to be a somebody from the time I was 5 years old.
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 preferred delivering my performance in person. I liked to be in control. You couldn't be in films.
Ethel Merman