Maureen O'Hara

Above all else, deep in my soul, I'm a tough Irishwoman.

I was born into the most remarkable and eccentric family I could possibly have hoped for.

After I got to Hollywood, I resented that I didn't get a crack at more dramatic roles because I photographed so beautifully.

As the 1960s began, a new breed of Hollywood leading lady was emerging. She was elegant, international, and wonderfully comedic.

Audiences in London called me the girl with the black cherry eyes.

Charles Laughton signed me to my first movie contract at 17. He later asked my parents if he could adopt me.

Comedy is difficult, especially slapstick. The trick is to have fun while you are performing it.

Every star has that certain something that stands out and compels us to notice them.

God has a most wicked sense of humor.

How could you get angry with Jackie Gleason?

How could you have had such a wonderful life as me if there wasn't a God directing?

I am like many of the women I have played onscreen.

I dainty little lass I wasn't. I looked twice my age until I turned 10 or 11.

I didn't let anyone push me into things I didn't want to do where my career was concerned. So why did I crumble when it came to men?

I don't remember having a crush on a boy when I was a girl. I don't even remember my first kiss.

I grew up in the theater and danced ballet atrociously.

My heritage has been my grounding, and it has brought me peace.

John Candy knew he was going to die. He told me on his 40th birthday. He said, well, Maureen, I'm on borrowed time.