"A woman past forty should make up her mind to be young; not her face."
About Billie Burke
Billie Burke — Life and Legacy
Billie Burke was a prominent American actress celebrated for her work in early cinema and on stage. Best known for her role as Glinda the Good Witch in 'The Wizard of Oz,' Burke's career spanned several decades, during which she became a beloved figure in Hollywood. Her quotes often reflect her complex relationship with fame and identity, revealing a deep understanding of the human experience. For instance, when she remarked, 'The only thing I ever wanted to be was a star,' she encapsulated the longing for recognition that many artists feel, while also hinting at the sacrifices that come with such aspirations. Burke's perspective on fame was nuanced; she recognized both its allure and its burdens. Her statement, 'I never could be a great actress,' illustrates her self-awareness and the internal struggles she faced in an industry that often demands perfection. This candidness resonates with audiences, as it reflects the tension between public persona and private self. Through her words, Burke challenged the notion that success is solely defined by talent, emphasizing instead the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance. Today, Billie Burke's quotes continue to inspire those navigating the complexities of identity and fame. Her insights remind us that the journey to self-discovery is often fraught with challenges, yet it is through embracing our true selves that we find genuine fulfillment.
Quote collection
Billie Burke quotes
15 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"An actress who has the gift of swaying the emotions of an audience, of compelling tribute of tears, or of moving the public to joyous merriment, cannot always be satisfied to set aside her whole career, in the work that she loves, simply because she is married."
"Age is of no importance unless you are a cheese."
"To survive there, you need the ambition of a Latin-American revolutionary, the ego of a grand opera tenor, and the physical stamina of a cow pony."
"Age doesn't matter, unless you're cheese."
"Sin in the theater, I can observe now, is comparable to education in a university: it is there for those who wish to take advantage of it, but fewer do than you might suspect."
"But if people will laugh at my work and keep a sound roof over my head, who am I to complain?"
"It seems to me that the most fundamental mistake most parents make with children is to expect them to be grateful. Children are never grateful. ... The 'sacrifices' you made were not for them, they were for you."
"A woman isn't as old as she thinks she is. She's as old as men think she is."
"I am constantly amazed when I talk to young people to learn how much they know about sex and how little about soap."
"Twins are so practical. It's always nice to have a spare."
"Forty-seven is nothing at all, nor is any age unless you're a cheese."
"If I ever loved a man better than I love my art, I should marry him and leave the stage. But I have never met such a man."
"There is no reason why marriage should necessarily compel an actress to forego her career."
"I think when an actress marries she should leave the stage. She cannot be happy if she is married and remains on the stage. She must care more for her art or for her husband."