There's no second chance on stage, and I was trained to make the most of my first chance.

As soon as I began to earn what might be called fairly large sums, I bought a car and began to explore the country around New York.

after several months of probation work, standing on my feet some ten to twelve hours a day, I decided that as a nurse I was a pretty good entertainer.

I could see myself in a white nurse's uniform, working unnoticed for many years and at last dying, unknown, unmarried and unsung.

I sometimes get that wonderful sympathy between me and the audience, telling me I've reached their hearts. And when I do, the thrill is mine.

Because of my voice, speaking words which had been carefully chosen, women had used money they had set aside for other purposes to buy war bonds.

I have been extremely lucky with reviewers and critics throughout my career.