Quotes

Most actors object to typing. I don't. In the first place, it is the public who types an actor, not the studio. If an actor is so good in a certain character, he can afford to submerge his urge to portray many parts in favor of a neat financial return. Yes sir, give me a character that American actors want to see me in and typing won't worry me.

I was a failure and a success three times in Hollywood, I have even had troubles paying my rent. Three depressions were suddenly ended by three pictures, each of which boosted me higher than I had ever been. 'In Old Arizona' ended a two-year slump. 'The Cisco Kid' brought me back into public favor after a series of bad stories. And '42nd Street' revived me after 'The Cisco Kid' had worn off. Like most actors, I wanted to cling to juvenility to the bitter end. But after I had repeated '42nd Steet' several times, it occurred to me that actors, drugged by pride, can make first-class asses of themselves.

[on his beginning in show business] I discovered a boy a block away who would eat worms and swallow flies for a penny. Fo one-third of the profits, I exhibited him in a tent.