In the great wealth, the great firmament of your nation's generosities this particular choice may perhaps be found by future generations as a trifle eccentric, but the mere fact of it . . . the prodigal, pure, human kindness of it . . . must be seen as a beautiful star in that firmament which shines upon me at this moment, dazzling me a little, but filling me with warmth of the extraordinary elation, the euphoria that happens to so many of us at the first breath of the majestic glow of a new tomorrow.

The humility to prepare and the self-confidence to bring it off.

What is the main problem of the actor? It is to keep the audience awake, and not let them go to sleep, then wake up and go home feeling they've wasted their money.

No matter how well you perform, there's always somebody of intelligent opinion who thinks it's lousy.

Autograph-hunting is the most unattractive manifestation of sex-starved curiosity.

The art of persuasion. The actor persuades himself, first, and through himself, the audience.

Don't waste your time striving for perfection; instead, strive for excellence - doing your best.