Talent is very dangerous. It alienates people.

I have no intention of retiring. Even my blood sugar is better when I'm working.

— Elaine Stritch

This is a time in my life where I'm gonna behave like an elegant human being. Or not.

— Elaine Stritch

I don't think there's any thrill in the world like doing work you're good at.

— Elaine Stritch

I find it easier to abstain than do a little bit of anything. I'm not a 'little bit' kind of dame. I want it…

— Elaine Stritch

I like being talked about. I think some people really don't... because they're secure enough and they don't need that.

— Elaine Stritch

Let me tell you about those convents. All that crap about extending the pinkie finger while sipping tea is a myth. Convent schools are…

— Elaine Stritch

I'm a hotel baby, absolutely: it's hard to think of a hotel I haven't stayed in.

— Elaine Stritch

If somebody doesn't have any talent, get off the stage! You're wasting my time.

— Elaine Stritch

I felt that I committed myself too much. I promised too much. But that way it's exciting.

— Elaine Stritch

I love holidays in New York. I love 'em. I want to celebrate something all the time and New York has holidays for every…

— Elaine Stritch

There will always be ladies who lunch. Always. And apparently they live a long time.

— Elaine Stritch

I do believe in the infallibility of the Pope, because I think we have to believe in something.

— Elaine Stritch

The closer a part is to you, the harder it is to play. Anything else is just imitation. If I'm playing a Russian countess,…

— Elaine Stritch

The people in New York - their humor is on a level that goes, uh, very deep, you know?

— Elaine Stritch

When I want to do something badly enough, I do it, but there is a practical side of me that thinks I should be…

— Elaine Stritch