Bernadette Peters

“You've got to be original, because if you're like someone else, what do they need you for?”

“I think the most important thing is to be in a good mood and enjoy life, wherever you are.”

“I was a show-business kid. I was in plays. I was in pageants. I was in rodeos. When I was 13, I got a contract with a major record company.”

“Animals are a gift from above for they truly define the words unconditional love.”

“When you're on stage, you're not in control.”

“I'm a work in progress. I'm trying to be better.”

“It's an important thing to be able to laugh at yourself.”

“Musical theater is my first love. It's what I want to do.”

“I love the theater as much as music, and the whole idea of getting across to an audience and making them laugh, making them cry - just making them feel - is paramount to me.”

“Sondheim is the Shakespeare of our time.”

“You have to be open to the word of God.”

“I think the thing's that are important to me are the same things that are important to any person. It's to be loved and to love.”

“I really am a character actor, and I've been a character actress since I was 20.”

“I'm not a religious person, but I'm a spiritual person.”

“I just think you should be your own person. I think it's important to be an individual.”