Lillian Gish quotes

Lillian Gish was an iconic American actress, director, and writer often called “The First Lady of American Cinema.” Renowned for her performances in silent films, she helped define early Hollywood’s style and narrative techniques. She influenced generations of actors and remains a symbol of dedication and artistry in film history. Here are 19 of her quotes:

You know, when I first went into the movies Lionel Barrymore played my grandfather. Later he played my father, and finally he played my husband. If he had lived I'm sure I would have played his mother. That's the way it is in Hollywood. The men get younger and the women get older. (Lillian Gish)
If you're caught acting, nobody believes you. View quote
Lillian Gish
When I was in films, we pretended to kiss but we didn't. It was considered unsanitary. Now they swallow each others' tonsils. It's disgusting. View quote
Lillian Gish
According to director Lindsay Anderson, one day while filming The Whales of August he said to Lillian Gish, "Miss Gish, you have just given me a perfect close-up." Bette Davis remarked: "She should. She invented 'em." View quote
Lillian Gish
A happy life is one spent in learning, earning, and yearning. View quote
Lillian Gish
Never get caught acting. View quote
Lillian Gish
What you get is a living, what you give is a life. View quote
Lillian Gish
Thalberg wanted commercial hits. I wanted art. View quote
Lillian Gish
I never cease to wonder at my luck in having for my sister the woman who, more than any other woman in America, possesses all the qualities of true greatness. View quote
Lillian Gish
For Lillian Gish, My Favorite Actress. On the occasion of her 1st visit to New York of which this book is a practical guide. From Her Chattel, F. Scott Fitzgerald. View quote
Lillian Gish
Lillian Gish is not only the best actress in her profession, but has the best mind of any woman I have ever met. (Lillian Gish)
I never chose money, I always chose people. I wanted to be around people who knew more than I did. I think that's why I never fell in love with an actor. They never seemed to know any more than I did. I wanted to be with writers... My idea of a dream man was Thornton Wilder. View quote
Lillian Gish
I don't feel I'm old. I just feel I'm me. And I've always been a happy person. I love the human race. I love my work. I love the world-I've been around it four times, you know. And I'm a believing person. I believe in God, even though I can't see him. You can't see the air in this room, right? But take it away and you're dead. And I believe there's something for us after we die. The world isn't wasteful. It keeps going on and I think we do too. View quote
Lillian Gish
You can get through life with bad manners, but it's easier with good manners. View quote
Lillian Gish
The older I get, the more I believe in what I can't explain or understand, even more than the things that are explainable and understandable. View quote
Lillian Gish
I'm so glad I didn't ruin a man's life by marrying him. View quote
Lillian Gish
Hollywood - an emotional Detroit. View quote
Lillian Gish
The stage was our school, our home, our life. View quote
Lillian Gish
The Cobweb was just plain weird, but I got to know and admire Miss Lillian Gish. View quote
Lillian Gish