Irene Dunne quotes

Irene Dunne was an American actress acclaimed for her work in both comedy and drama during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Recognized for her elegance, wit, and superb singing talent, she starred in classics such as "The Awful Truth" and "Show Boat." She became one of the most beloved and versatile leading ladies of Hollywood’s early sound era. Here are 57 of her quotes:

There seems to be a general impression that to be known as normal in Hollywood is akin to being labeled as rare animal in a zoo.

Irene Dunne

And yet I think The White Cliffs of Dover one of my best films.

Irene Dunne

I always believed in my characters. I lived them.

Irene Dunne

Years ago the public used to hound me but now I can go shopping in peace.

Irene Dunne

I'll leave the swearing to the Jane Fondas.

Irene Dunne

I had great cameramen like Rudolph Mate and Hal Mohr. They'd take an hour to light the proper closeup of me.

Irene Dunne

Fans hate a hypocrite. I believe they detect the real you behind every role and if they are led to believe you are something you pretend you aren't, they resent it.

Irene Dunne

Any young girl aspiring to a theatrical career held Florenz Ziegfeld in a awe.

Irene Dunne

You may laugh of the idea of the good will of others in Hollywood, but it's no laughing matter if you don't have it.

Irene Dunne

Surely it isn't entirely normal to see fingers pointing at you as a rare species, the only one in captivity!

Irene Dunne

They aren't interested in the fact that whenever they kick up dirt, the dirt rubs off on every one of us.

Irene Dunne

Usually marriages break up because people won't take the trouble to get through the middle breakfasts. It's no trick to get through the first breakfasts, when love is new and there are bows on the eggs. And once the middle breakfasts are over the last breakfasts, when plenty of allowances have been made on both sides and an understanding friendship and deep love have been established, are a joy forever.

Irene Dunne

Now don't you dare call me normal. I was never a Pollyanna. There was always a lot of Theodora in me.

Irene Dunne

I don't give my phone number to strangers. It's Plaza 5048.

Irene Dunne

I couldn't advise others to try such a long distance marriage, but for us it works perfectly. We are three thousand miles apart, it is true, but the big thing is that we each have our careers without interference from the other. My husband can't leave his practice and I can't leave Hollywood, but neither of us has any thought of giving up either the career or each other. Some day we shall again live in our 'honeymoon' apartment - but in the meantime, for us, this is the best possible way.

Irene Dunne

You'll be much better equipped for a long life in pictures if you have a sound theatrical background.

Irene Dunne

In addition to actual dramatic training and experience, I'd want as much education as possible.

Irene Dunne

You see I found I didn't have to act to be happy.

Irene Dunne

So being two different people in one day unnerved me to no end.

Irene Dunne

My private life is quiet.

Irene Dunne

Mother, an accomplished musician, taught me to play the piano as a very small girl.

Irene Dunne

One of the choicest occupations here is ripping reputations into pieces.

Irene Dunne