Hattie McDaniel Quotes & Sayings

Faith is the black person's federal reserve system. — Hattie McDaniel

The only choice permitted us is either to be servants for $7 a week or to portray them for $700 per week. — Hattie McDaniel

I don't belong on this earth. I always feel out of place - like a visitor. — Hattie McDaniel

It sure looks good to see an honest-to-goodness audience after looking at you all for so long from the silver screen. — Hattie McDaniel

Always remember this: There are only eighteen inches between a pat on the back and a kick in the rump. — Hattie McDaniel

Every actor and actress is possessed of the absorbing passion to create something distinctive and unique. — Hattie McDaniel

I'm letting no man handle my bank account. — Hattie McDaniel

Putting a little time aside for clean fun and good humor is very necessary to relieve the tensions of our time. — Hattie McDaniel

My desire for the part of Mammy was not dominated by selfishness for Hollywood has been good to me and I am grateful. — Hattie McDaniel

When I was 8 years old, I knew what I was going to be - an actress. — Hattie McDaniel

Playing the Mammy of Miss Leigh was just about the biggest thrill I've ever had. — Hattie McDaniel

I'd rather play a maid than be one. — Hattie McDaniel

I've played everything but a harp. — Hattie McDaniel

I'd rather make $700 a week playing a maid than earn $7 a day being a maid. — Hattie McDaniel

As for those grapefruit and buttermilk diets, I'll take roast chicken and dumplings. — Hattie McDaniel

In playing the part of Mammy, I tried to make her a living, breathing character, the way she appeared to me in the book. — Hattie McDaniel

What is the thing that Hollywood demands most? Sincerity. No place in the world will pay such a high price for this admirable trait. — Hattie McDaniel

That's a powerful lucky rabbit's foot. I got the part in Gone With the Wind because of it. I got my Warner contract, thanks to it. — Hattie McDaniel

I sincerely hope that I shall always be a credit to my race, and to the motion picture industry. — Hattie McDaniel

You can best fight any existing evil from the inside. — Hattie McDaniel

We all respect sincerity in our friends and acquaintances, but Hollywood is willing to pay for it. — Hattie McDaniel

Bob Hope, Red Skelton, and Eddie Cantor ... help us keep our balance. — Hattie McDaniel

I did my best, and God did the rest. — Hattie McDaniel

The entire race is usually judged by the actions of one man or woman. — Hattie McDaniel

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, fellow members of the motion picture industry and honored guests: This is one of the happiest moments of my life, and I want to thank each one of you who had a part in selecting me for one of their awards, for your kindness. It has made me feel very, very humble; and I shall always hold it as a beacon for anything that I may be able to do in the future. I sincerely hope I shall always be a credit to my race and to the motion picture industry. My heart is too full to tell you just how I feel, and may I say thank you and God bless you. — Hattie McDaniel

When I was little, my mother taught me how to use a fork and knife. The trouble is that Mother forget to teach me how to stop using them! — Hattie McDaniel

I am loathe to get married again. I've been married enough; I just prefer to forget it. — Hattie McDaniel

Why should I complain about making $7,000 a week playing a maid? If I didn't, I'd be making $7 a week being one. — Hattie McDaniel

A woman's gifts will make room for her. — Hattie McDaniel

I always have the best of everything. — Hattie McDaniel