Ethel Waters

I have no acting technique I act instinctively. That's why I can't play any role that isn't based on something in my life. ”

All my life I've been prejudiced against wealthy people. ”

All the men in my life have been two things: an epic and an epidemic. ”

I've never been able to feel that there is anything undignified about making your living by the sweat of your brow. ”

Mom was the greatest influence of my childhood. She wanted to save me from the vice, lust, and drinking that was all about me. ”

There is a great supply of amateur undertakers in show business. ”

It has been an ache and a joy both to look over this big shoulder of mine at all my yesterdays. ”

I never was a child. ”

I never was coddled, or liked, or understood by my family. ”

My whole family could sing. My family harmonized without any instruments to accompany them. ”