Marilyn Monroe

Hollywood icon

Modern influential 139 sayings

Sayings by Marilyn Monroe

A wise girl kisses but doesn't love, listens but doesn't believe, and leaves before she is left.

Unknown — Quote attributed to her, often found in collections.
Controversial Confirmed

If you're gonna be two-faced at least make one of them pretty.

Unknown — Quote attributed to her, often found in collections.
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm generally miserable.

1960 — 1960 audio interview.
Controversial Unverifiable

I’m selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control, and at times hard to handle.

1960 — Interview about her personality
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I don’t want to make money, I just want to be wonderful.

1950s — Interview about her career
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I’ve never fooled anyone. I’ve let people fool themselves.

1950s — Interview about her public image
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I don’t mind making jokes, but I don’t want to look like one.

1950s — Interview about her image
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

I’ve never been able to understand why people take drugs or smoke.

1950s — Interview about health
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I don’t know what I’m running from, but I’m running.

1960s — Interview about her personal struggles
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If you can make a girl laugh, you can make her do anything.

Undated — Various interviews and attributed sources
Humorous Confirmed

I've been on a calendar, but I've never been on time.

Undated — Various interviews and attributed sources
Humorous Confirmed

I never even received a thank-you from all those who made millions off a nude Marilyn photograph.

Undated, post-1949 — Referring to her nude calendar photos
Humorous Unverifiable

I walked across the room and when I turned around there was smoke coming out of Groucho's head!

Undated — Recalling an impromptu audition for the Marx Brothers
Humorous Unverifiable

I learned to walk as a baby and I haven't had a lesson since.

Undated — Various attributed sources
Humorous Unverifiable

I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.

Undated — Various attributed sources
Humorous Confirmed

The nicest thing for me is sleep, then at least I can dream.

Undated — Various attributed sources
Humorous Unverifiable

Why is it you always meet people when you look your worst?

Undated — Anecdotal, from a collection of quotes about her
Humorous Unverifiable

It takes a smart brunette to play a dumb blonde.

Undated — Various attributed sources
Humorous Unverifiable

I love to do the things the censors won't pass.

Undated — Various attributed sources
Humorous Unverifiable

Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition.

Undated — Various attributed sources
Humorous Unverifiable