Welcome to a collection of insightful and inspiring quotes by Helen Hayes, a celebrated American actress whose talent graced both stage and screen. Throughout her illustrious career, Helen Hayes captivated audiences with her remarkable performances, earning her the title First Lady of American Theatre. With a career spanning nearly eight decades, Hayes’ contributions to the world of entertainment remain unparalleled, leaving an indelible mark on the history of acting.
Born in 1900, Helen Hayes’ passion for the arts blossomed at an early age, propelling her towards a career that would redefine the landscape of American theatre. Her versatility as an actress allowed her to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles, captivating audiences with her unparalleled charisma and depth of emotion. From her iconic performances on Broadway to her memorable appearances in classic Hollywood films, Hayes’ talent knew no bounds, cementing her status as a true icon of the silver screen. Below, you’ll find a curated selection of Helen Hayes’ most memorable quotes, offering profound insights and timeless wisdom that continue to resonate with audiences to this day.
The hardest years in life are those between ten and seventy. Helen Hayes
Stardom can be a gilded slavery. Helen Hayes
People who refuse to rest honorably on their laurels when they reach retirement age seem very admirable to me. Helen Hayes
The good die young but not always. The wicked prevail but not consistently. I am confused by life, and I feel safe within the confines of the theatre. Helen Hayes
From your parents you learn love and laughter and how to put one foot before the other. But when books are opened you discover that you have wings. Helen Hayes
Every human being on this earth is born with a tragedy, and it isn’t original sin. He’s born with the tragedy that he has to grow up… a lot of people don’t have the courage to do it. Helen Hayes
The story of a love is not important-what is important is that one is capable of love. It is perhaps the only glimpse we are permitted of eternity. Helen Hayes
The worst constructed play is a Bach fugue when compared to life. Helen Hayes
I’m a boss by nature. I’m bossy. I’m not imperious, but I don’t really want people to curtsy low before me and back out of rooms, but I do like to run things. Helen Hayes
Childhood is a short season. Helen Hayes
We relish news of our heroes, forgetting that we are extraordinary to somebody too. Helen Hayes
Actors work and slave and it is the color of your hair that can determine your fate in the end. Helen Hayes
Only the poet can look beyond the detail and see the whole picture. Helen Hayes
Legends die hard. They survive as truth rarely does. Helen Hayes
When traveling with someone, take large does of patience and tolerance with your morning coffee. Helen Hayes
One has to grow up with good talk in order to form the habit of it. Helen Hayes
I cry out for order and find it only in art. Helen Hayes
Age is not important unless you’re a cheese. Helen Hayes
Actors cannot choose the manner in which they are born. Consequently, it is the one gesture in their lives completely devoid of self-consciousness. Helen Hayes
Everybody starts at the top, and then has the problem of staying there. Lasting accomplishment, however, is still achieved through a long, slow climb and self-discipline. Helen Hayes
There’s a little vanity chair that Charlie gave me the first Christmas we knew each other. I’ll not be parting with that, nor our bed – the four-poster – I’ll be needing that to die in. Helen Hayes
If you rest, you rust. Helen Hayes
Mere longevity is a good thing for those who watch Life from the side lines. For those who play the game, an hour may be a year, a single day’s work an achievement for eternity. Helen Hayes
The truth is that there is only one terminal dignity – love. And the story of a love is not important – what is important is that one is capable of love. It is perhaps the only glimpse we are permitted of eternity. Helen Hayes
I’m leaving the screen because I don’t think I am very good in the pictures and I have this beautiful dream that I’m elegant on the stage. Helen Hayes