The theatre is the involuntary reflex of the ideas of the crowd.

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.

We must live for the few who know and appreciate us, who judge and absolve us, and for whom we have the same affection and indulgence. The rest I look upon as a mere crowd, lively or sad, loyal or corrupt, from whom there is nothing to be expected but fleeting emotions, either pleasant or unpleasant, which leave no trace behind them.

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

Although all new ideas are born in France, they are not readily adopted there. It seems that they must first commence to prosper in a foreign country.

Energy creates energy. It is by spending myself that I become rich.

The truth, the absolute truth, is that the chief beauty for the theatre consists in fine bodily proportions.