Happy is the man who hath never known what it is to taste of fame—to have it is a purgatory, to want it is a hell!

Fame is but the empty noise of madmen.

Being a star has made it possible for me to get insulted in places where the average Negro could never hope to go and get insulted.

Reality is always the foe of famous names.

Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury—to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind.

What a heavy burden is a name that has become too famous.