My work is the only ground I’ve ever had to stand on. I seem to have a whole superstructure with no foundation — but I’m working on the foundation.

More from Marilyn Monroe

• An actress is not a machine, but they treat you like a machine. A money machine.
• Fame will go by and, so long, I’ve had you, fame. If it goes by, I’ve always known it was fickle. So at least it’s something I experienced, but that’s not where I live.
• Fame will go by and, so long, I've had you, fame. If it goes by, I've always known it was fickle. So at least it's something I experienced, but that's not where I live. Life magazine
• First, I’m trying to prove to myself that I’m a person. Then maybe I’ll convince myself that I’m an actress.
• First, I'm trying to prove to myself that I'm a person. Then maybe I'll convince myself that I'm an actress. quoted in Ms. magazine
• Hollywood’s a place where they’ll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss, and fifty cents for your soul. I know, because I turned down the first offer often enough and held out for the fifty cents.