Lillian Gish Quotes

United States, Actress
October 14, 1893 – February, 27, 1993.

Lillian Diana Gish (October 14, 1893 – February 27, 1993) was an American actress of the screen and stage, as well as a director and writer. Her film acting career spanned 75 years, from 1912, in silent film shorts, to 1987. Gish was called the First Lady of American Cinema, and she is credited with pioneering fundamental film performing techniques.

You know, when I first went into the movies Lionel Barrymore played my grandfather. Later he played my father, and finally he played my husband. If he had lived I'm sure I would have played his mother. That's the way it is in Hollywood. The men get younger and the women get older.

Lillian Gish
- Men
- Women
- Mother
I'm so glad I didn't ruin a man's life by marrying him.

Lillian Gish
- Life

Thalberg wanted commercial hits. I wanted art.

Lillian Gish
- Art
I never chose money, I always chose people. I wanted to be around people who knew more than I did. I think that’s why I never fell in love with an actor. They never seemed to know any more than I did. I wanted to be with writers… My idea of a dream man was Thornton Wilder.

Lillian Gish
- People
- Money
- Why
When I was in films, we pretended to kiss but we didn't. It was considered unsanitary. Now they swallow each others' tonsils. It's disgusting.

Lillian Gish
- Kiss
If you're caught acting, nobody believes you.

Lillian Gish