I'll pat myself on the back and admit I have talent. Beyond that, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time

- Ethel Merman

Always give them the old fire, even when you feel like a squashed cake of ice.

- Ethel Merman

At one time I smoked, but in 1959 I couldn't think of anything else to give up for Lent so I stopped - and I haven't had a cigarette since.

- Ethel Merman

I remember Tallulah (Bankhead) telling of going into a public ladies' room and discovering there was no toilet tissue. She looked underneath the boot…

- Ethel Merman

I wouldn't change one thing about my professional life, and I make it a point not to dwell on my mistakes

- Ethel Merman

Now what kind of an attitude is that, 'These things happen?' They only happen because this whole country is just full of people who, when these thing…

- Ethel Merman

I can never remember being afraid of an audience. If the audience could do better, they'd be up here on stage and I'd be out there watching them.

- Ethel Merman

I can hold a note as long as the Chase National Bank.

- Ethel Merman

I've never cooked. I can't do much more in the kitchen than make a cup of tea and some toast.

- Ethel Merman