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

Ethel Merman

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Ethel Merman
Age: 76 †
Born: 1908
Born: January 16
Died: 1984
Died: February 15
Actor
Actress
Film Actor
Singer
Stage Actor
Television Actor
Writer
Ethel Agnes Zimmermann
Years
Time
Ambitious
Somebody

More quotes by Ethel Merman

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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
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I attend surprisingly few shows. The type of theater that is popular today just doesn't appeal to me.
Ethel Merman
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At a flea market I always head for the junk jewelry table first.
Ethel Merman
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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
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I told her that there was something about Christmas carols that always brought tears to my eyes. I added that I also cry at weddings. To me weddings are very solemn occasions. I should have cried at a couple of my own.
Ethel Merman
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I've never suffered stage fright. That fascinates people.
Ethel Merman
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Legend has it that when God created me, he gave me a big distinctive voice, a lot of boldness and no heart.
Ethel Merman
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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
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You'll never prove you're too good for a job by not doing your best.
Ethel Merman
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Always give them the old fire, even when you feel like a squashed cake of ice.
Ethel Merman
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The slapdash way producers used to assemble a show seems a little unbelievable when we talk about them now
Ethel Merman
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Music, in the past few years... anything singable or understandable is square.
Ethel Merman
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The only things I read are gossip columns. If I read three pages of a book, I'm out like a light. When I pick up the book again, I've forgotten what I've read and have to start over again. By page three, even if I've just awakened from a nine -hour nap, I fall asleep again. So if anyone gives me a book, it had better have lots of pictures.
Ethel Merman
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I mentioned that I was thinking of getting out of the business after Call Me Madam. I thought maybe I should become a homebody.
Ethel Merman
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I've made a wonderful living playing that theatrical character - the professional brassy dame
Ethel Merman
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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
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When I'm asked how to succeed in show business, I always say I haven't the foggiest
Ethel Merman
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I am known to be able to take care of myself when I become angry. I don't mince words.
Ethel Merman
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In my case, things have pretty much been handed to me
Ethel Merman
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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