You see, as far as the man's personality goes, there's no one who can touch Fred Astaire. He's unique.

I was born and raised to entertain other people. I've heard laughter and applause and known a lot of sorrow. Everything about me is based on show business - I think it will bring me happiness. I hope so.

I didn't smoke. I didn't smoke then, and I don't smoke now. We worked every day - that keeps you in pretty good shape. We could go for a long time in one take. You had to be in good shape with Gene Kelly.

I'd like to thank the Academy for my lifetime achievement award that I will eventually get.

I can picture things, like a painter would, though Im not good at painting, either.

That is the godawful thing about television today. Performers don't have any place to hit and miss. You're either in or you're out; you don't have a chance to become good at your craft. If you make three pictures in a row and they don't go over, you're out of the business.

It's so wonderful... if your whole day is rotten, once they start the music, it seems to melt away.