Quotes

[when friend and co-star Paul Robeson tried to persuade her to make a stand for black people] I'm of mixed blood: African, Native American Indian, Scots and Irish, Paul, I can't make a stand for all of them. You must excuse me.

[on co-star Paul Robeson] There were no lines he objected to in "Song of Freedom." In later years he was very nasty in that film "Sanders of the River." He said they had tricked him into that. I don't know how or why. That's his comment, but I have no evidence of it. He was a lovely man. We discussed politics naturally, but I'm not politically minded although I follow. And I have my own theories. He said you've got to be a citizen of the world because of this... (she points to the color of her skin.} I said I've got so many bloods in me, I'm part of the world. I don't stand up for one or the other, only for what's right... for decency. He wanted to convert me, but he was very gentle about it. I'll take anybody's arguments if they have a sense of humor with it. And, of course, he laughed so easily. We became great friends. I loved him, and he always came to see me when I was playing.

I was brought up in a mixed neighborhood, 63rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue, that was primarily Irish, secondly Italian, thirdly Negro, and then the mixes of all other European countries. I went to a mixed school, Julia Richman High. I've never thought of race. I'm lucky. It never hit me.

My mother was Scottish, and I say what is the point of my taking out British citizenship? I'm half British anyhow. I regard myself as American, but I'm English in thought ans interest.

(In a 1987 interview) Ivor Novello was a great romantic. I don't think he would be accepted particularly now because of what some people call his schmaltz. I call it love. He was in love with love.