Quotes from Maureen O'Hara

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

The Queen Mary was the most civilized and luxurious way one could travel to America in the late 1930s.

Being an Irishwoman means many things to me. An Irishwoman is strong and feisty. She has guts and stands up for what she believes in. She believes she is the best at whatever she does and proceeds through life with that knowledge. She can face any hazard that life throws her way and stay with it until she wins. She is loyal to her kinsmen and accepting of others. She's not above a sock in the jaw if you have it coming.

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

There's a terrible truth for many women in the picture business: Aging typically takes its toll and means fewer and less desirable roles.

Lost in a crowd of greats, not a single Oscar. That's showbiz.

How could you get angry with Jackie Gleason?

I knew that Jamaica Inn was going to make me a star.

I saw myself as Joan of Arc.

When you try to battle with John Ford, you have to give in.

The Parent Trap wouldn't have been as special without the remarkable performances by Hayley Mills.

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

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

I really wanted to be an opera soprano.

In February 1953, I was making a second picture with Jeff Chandler, one called War Arrow. Jeff was a real sweetheart, but acting with him was like acting with a broomstick.

Henry Fonda gave me a spanking during a scene in Spencer's Mountain.

Speaking as an actress, I wish all actors would be more like Duke Wayne. And speaking as a person, it would be nice if all people could be honest and as genuine as he is. This is a real man.

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

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.

The studio thought I was crazy to perform all of my own fencing stunts, but I loved it.

The Parent Trap gave my career another boost, starring in family comedies.

I began to rationalize marrying Will [William Houston Price]. 'He comes from a good family. A girl could do worse.' (As it turned out, I couldn't, but I didn't know that yet.)

I spent a great deal of time with Che Guevara while I was in Havana. I believe he was far less a mercenary than he was a freedom fighter.