George Burns, born Nathan Birnbaum on January 20, 1896, in New York City, was an iconic American comedian, actor, and writer who entertained audiences for over nine decades. He rose to fame as part of the beloved vaudeville duo Burns and Allen with his wife Gracie Allen, later achieving solo success with films like “The Sunshine Boys,” for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1975. Burns was renowned for his sharp wit, longevity in show business, and humorous reflections on aging and life. His quotes, drawn from books, interviews, and public appearances, offer timeless wisdom and laughter. This article features 15 George Burns quotes about life, showcasing his insightful and lighthearted perspective.
Quote List: 15 George Burns Quotes About Life
1. “Life is a gamble at terrible odds, but if you don’t play, you lose anyway.” (Book, “Living It Up,” 1976)
2. “The key to a long life is to laugh often and not take yourself too seriously.” (Interview, Larry King Live, 1988)
3. “I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor; rich is better, but laughter is free.” (Interview, The New York Times, 1980)
4. “Age is something that doesn’t matter, unless you are a cheese.” (Book, “Gracie: A Love Story,” 1988)
5. “Happiness is having a scratch for every itch, and life gives you plenty of both.” (Interview, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, 1975)
6. “Life’s a joke, and I’m still laughing after all these years.” (Stand-up routine, Las Vegas, 1980)
7. “The best way to live is to love what you do and do what you love, even when it’s tough.” (Book, “100 Years, 100 Stories,” 1976)
8. “Don’t stay in bed too long; life’s too short to miss the fun.” (Interview, CBS News, 1985)
9. “Life is short, but it’s wide—fill it with good friends and good cigars.” (Interview, Time Magazine, 1979)
10. “I can’t afford to die; I’d lose too much money, so I keep living it up.” (Interview, Associated Press, 1990)
11. “The secret to success in life is to start from scratch and keep on scratching.” (Book, autobiography “George Burns: The Ultimate Collection,” 1980)
12. “Life is like a roller coaster; enjoy the ride, even when it’s bumpy.” (Public speech, American Comedy Awards, 1982)
13. “Always leave them laughing; that’s the best way to end a day and live fully.” (Interview, Variety Magazine, 1977)
14. “Life is full of surprises, and most of them are not very good, but you have to laugh anyway.” (Interview, NPR, 1992)
15. “The good thing about being old is that you don’t have to worry about dying young—life’s a gift, so unwrap it daily.” (Book, “Dear George,” 1985)
These quotes from George Burns illuminate his warm, resilient spirit, highlighting how humor and optimism can transform life’s challenges into sources of joy and wisdom. They reflect his belief in embracing each day with laughter and love, even in the face of aging and adversity. What insights do these words spark for you? Share your thoughts or favorite quotes in the comments below.