Barbara Stanwyck, also known as Ruby Catherine Stevens (July 16, 1907 – January 20, 1990) was an American actress, model, and dancer. She was a stage, film and television star, known during her 60-year career as a consummate and versatile professional for a strong, realistic screen presence. She made 85 films in 38 years before turning to television. Here are some of the Barbara Stanwyck quotes on movies, life and career.
Best Barbara Stanwyck Quotes
- “Egotism — usually just a case of mistaken nonentity.” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “I need him like the axe needs the turkey.” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “My only problem is finding a way to play my fortieth fallen female in a different way from my thirty-ninth.” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “Just be truthful – and if you can fake that, you’ve got it made.” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “I’m a tough old broad from Brooklyn. Don’t try to make me into something I’m not. If you want someone to tiptoe down the Barkley staircase in crinoline and politely ask where the cattle went, get another girl.” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “The boy’s got a lot to learn and I’ve got a lot to teach.” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “Eyes are the greatest tool in film. Mr. Capra taught me that. Sure it’s nice to say very good dialogue if you can get it. But great movie acting – watch the eyes!” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “The more you kick something that’s dead, the worse it smells.” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “There is a point in portraying surface vulgarity where tragedy and comedy are very close.” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “Career is too pompous a word. It was a job, and I have always felt privileged to be paid for doing what I love doing.” – Barbara Stanwyck
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“Age is only a number.” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “Put me in the last fifteen minutes of a picture and I don’t care what happened before. I don’t even care if I was IN the rest of the damned thing – I’ll take it in those fifteen minutes.” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “Attention embarrasses me. I don’t like to be on display.” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “A star is only as good as her last picture.” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “I couldn’t remember my name for weeks. I’d be at the theater and hear them calling ‘Miss Stanwyck, Miss Stanwyck,’ and I’d think ‘Where is that dame? Why doesn’t she answer? By crickie, it’s me!” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “[On Marilyn Monroe:] Her body has gone to her head.” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “It’s perhaps not the future I would choose. I still think it’s possible to make a success of both marriage and career even though I didn’t. But it’s not a bad future. And I’m not afraid of it.” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “Sponsors obviously care more about a ninety-second commercial and want to pay you more than any guest star gets for ninety-minute acting performance.” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “I’m now the Lord of the Brighton Manor.” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “I’m a tough old broad from Brooklyn. I intend to go on acting until I’m ninety and they won’t need to paste my face with make-up.” – Barbara Stanwyck
- “Eyes are the greatest tool in film. Mr. Capra taught me that. Sure, it’s nice to say very good dialogue, if you can get it. But great movie acting – watch the eyes!” – Barbara Stanwyck
