Quotes from Madeline Kahn

Fun is carefree. I am not carefree.

Me, as myself, I don't think I'm particularly funny. But I've noticed that people in my life always have found me amusing. Which, when I was little, really bothered me.

From inside where I live, I feel like I just perceive events in a certain rational way. I often find it sad or poignant, and it may not make me laugh a bit. But I don't mind inventing a portrait that allows others to laugh if that's what they want to do.

I can't even really tell a joke. I find being funny very hard work. I am always asked about it and I feel guilty saying that, but it's the truth. I love my work but it ain't easy.

Comedy is created when someone is trying very earnestly to do what he feels is the right thing to do at that moment.

It's acceptable for men to act the fool. When women try, they're considered aggressive and opinionated.

What's wrong with musicals now is all the gifted men who've died of AIDS-who would otherwise be here today creating great theater.

Laughter is a strange response. I mean, what is it? It's a spasm of some kind! Is that always joy? It's very often discomfort. It's some sort of explosive reaction. It's very complex.

My mother was a Bohemian - in the good sense of the word. A searcher. And she investigated various religions.

I find being funny very hard work. I am always asked about it, and I feel guilty saying that, but it's the truth. I love my work, but it ain't easy.

Comedy is an ability to observe and see what's funny in a situation and be able to forget yourself enough to do it.