The actor is too prone to exaggerate his powers; he wants to play Hamlet when his appearance is more suitable to King Lear.

... actors of the first water are not more plentiful than playwrights of genius.

Each action of the actor on the stage should be the visible concomitant of his thoughts.

For the theatre one needs long arms... an artiste with short arms can never make a fine gesture.

What would life be without art? Science prolongs life. To consist of what-eating, drinking, and sleeping? What is the good of living longer if it is only a matter of satisfying the requirements that sustain life? All this is nothing without the charm of art.

I have often been asked why I am so fond of playing male parts. As a matter of fact, it is not male parts, but male brains that I prefer.

[When asked at age 79 why her Paris apartment was located up many flights of stairs at the top of the building:] It's the only way I can still make the hearts of men beat faster.