[During fee negotiations for singing in Vienna:] I'm not interested in money, but it must be more than anyone else gets.

I will not be sued! I have the voice of an angel!

Don't come to me with your troubles. I have to work for my money and you are young enough to work too. If you can't make enough money to live on you can jump out of the window or drown yourself.

If I have stepped on some people at times because I am at the top, it couldn't be helped. What should I do if someone gets hurt... retire?

The public is a monster and that is why I am not eager to return to the stage.

On stage, I am in the dark.

My poor sight gives me an advantage. I can't see the people in the audience who are scratching their heads while I am lost in my role and giving everything I have to the drama.