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Susan Hayward Quotes

Powerful Susan Hayward for Daily Growth

About Susan Hayward

Susan Hayward (September 30, 1917 – March 14, 1975), born Edythe Marrenner in Brooklyn, New York, was an American film actress who rose to prominence in the 1940s and 1950s for her powerful and dramatic performances. Orphaned at a young age, Hayward spent much of her childhood in various foster homes before being adopted by the family of Edith Marrenner, a seamstress, who changed her name to Susan Hayward. She developed an early interest in acting and pursued it passionately, starting with performances in school plays. Hayward's professional acting career began on Broadway in the 1930s. Her first major role was in "I Can Get It for You Wholesale" (1936) by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. She made her film debut in 1941 with a small role in "Road to Zanzibar." In the following years, Hayward's career took off, earning her the title of "Queen of the Box Office." Her breakout role was as Helen Morrow in "Smash-Up: The Story of a Woman" (1947). She is perhaps best known for her portrayal of Lizzie Borden in "The House on Telegraph Hill" (1951) and her Academy Award-winning performance as Helen Keller's teacher Annie Sullivan in "The Miracle Worker" (1962). Hayward was also a passionate activist, particularly for the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1953 but continued to work during her treatment. Her courage inspired many, leading to the creation of the Susan Hayward Mastectomy Bra by Evelyn Morey. Susan Hayward passed away in 1975 at the age of 57 from complications due to cancer. She left behind a legacy of powerful performances and an enduring spirit that continues to inspire actresses today. Some of her memorable quotes include, "I've learned that the only thing you can control is your attitude," and "I believe in myself and I have no fear."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I've never been a great beauty, but I have a good enough face to put over any kind of part."

This quote highlights Susan Hayward's self-awareness about her physical appearance and her belief in the power of an actor's ability to convey different roles through their acting skills rather than relying solely on traditional notions of beauty. She suggests that while she may not be a great beauty, she possesses an attractive enough face to convincingly portray various characters, demonstrating her confidence in her talent as an actress.

"There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still."

This quote emphasizes the importance of progress and movement in life. It suggests that while there may be multiple paths or strategies for achieving our goals, remaining stagnant or not advancing is not an option. The message encourages us to continually grow, adapt, and move forward, rather than clinging to the past or standing still in complacency.

"Success is not a destination, it's a journey. And a truly satisfying life is a journey full of love and growth."

This quote suggests that success should not be viewed as a final destination or end goal, but rather as a continuous journey marked by love and personal growth. The journey of life, enriched with love and learning, brings true fulfillment. Success, in this context, is about the experiences, connections, and self-improvement we amass along the way, rather than merely reaching a specific achievement or milestone.

"I don't believe in being typecast - there are so many different kinds of people and I like to play them all."

The quote by Susan Hayward reflects her belief in diversifying roles and avoiding stereotypes. She values the exploration and portrayal of various character types, as she sees people as multifaceted rather than confined to a single category or "type". This approach allows for richer and more nuanced performances, as well as promoting greater representation and understanding of human complexity in storytelling.

"Acting isn't about being someone different. It's finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there."

Susan Hayward's quote suggests that acting is not about pretending to be someone else entirely, but rather it's about discovering commonalities between seemingly disparate characters and finding one's own self within those shared traits. It's a reminder that we are all essentially similar beneath the surface, and the art of acting allows actors to tap into these universal human experiences and emotions. This insight offers a deeper understanding of both the craft of acting and human nature itself.

I learned at a very early age that life is a battle. My family was poor, my neighborhood was poor. The only way that I could get away from the awfulness of life, at that time, was at the movies. There I decided that my big aim was to make money. And it was there that I became a very determined woman.

- Susan Hayward

Big, Very, Very Early Age, Early

My life is fair game for anybody. I spent an unhappy, penniless childhood in Brooklyn. I had to slug my way up in a town called Hollywood where people love to trample you to death. I don't relax because I don't know how. I don't want to know how. Life is too short to relax.

- Susan Hayward

Love, Game, My Life, Trample

I never thought of myself as a movie star. I'm just a working girl. A working girl who worked her way to the top - and never fell off.

- Susan Hayward

Thought, Star, Movie, Movie Star

When you're dead, you're dead. No one is going to remember me when I'm dead. Oh, maybe a few friends will remember me affectionately. Being remembered isn't the most important thing, anyhow. It's what you do when you are here that's important.

- Susan Hayward

Here, Maybe, Important Thing, Remember Me

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