Mae West, born on August 17, 1893, was an American actress, singer, playwright, screenwriter, comedian, and sex symbol. She was known for her lighthearted bawdy double entendres and breezy sexual independence. She was active in vaudeville and on the stage in New York City before moving to Hollywood. Her much-quoted quips have been compiled into numerous books. Let’s explore 20 of her most popular quotes.
Mae West’s Most Popular Quotes
The following quotes bring out her wit, wisdom, and unwavering belief in individualism and personal freedom.
- “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
- “When I’m good, I’m very good, but when I’m bad, I’m better.”
- “I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it.”
- “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful!”
- “Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before.”
- “It’s not the men in my life that counts, it’s the life in my men.”
- “Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?”
- “I speak two languages, Body and English.”
- “Cultivate your curves – they may be dangerous but they won’t be avoided.”
- “I believe in censorship. I made a fortune out of it.”
- “A man in the house is worth two in the street.”
- “Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere.”
- “I used to be Snow White, but I drifted.”
- “Marriage is a great institution, but I’m not ready for an institution.”
- “I like my clothes to be tight enough to show I’m a woman… but loose enough to show I’m a lady.”
- “Don’t marry a man to reform him – that’s what reform schools are for.”
- “I’ve been in more laps than a napkin.”
- “Love isn’t an emotion or an instinct – it’s an art.”
- “Come up and see me sometime.”
- “People will always talk so lets give them sumthin to talk about.”
Mae West’s legendary career stretched over seven decades. She carved her place in history with her unique style, her linguistic prowess, and her bold attitude towards life. It’s clear that Mae’s spirit lives on through her timeless quotes, each one as punchy, as relevant and as inspirational today as they were many decades ago.