There have been people who have tried to take advantage of me. They want to be linked to me just because I'm Ethel Merman.

I've never suffered stage fright. That fascinates people.

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?

When I'm asked how to succeed in show business, I always say I haven't the foggiest

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

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.

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