Noel Coward, born Sir Noël Peirce Coward on December 16, 1899, in Teddington, Middlesex, England, was a multifaceted British icon known for his wit, charm, and creativity. As a playwright, composer, actor, and director, he achieved fame with works like “Private Lives,” “Blithe Spirit,” and the song “Mad Dogs and Englishmen.” His career spanned decades, earning him a knighthood in 1970, an Academy Award for “In Which We Serve,” and multiple Tony Awards. Coward’s sharp observations on life were captured in his plays, books, interviews, and diaries, reflecting his sophisticated worldview. This article focuses on 15 of his quotes about life, sourced from various mediums including books, interviews, and his theatrical works. These insights reveal his humorous, poignant take on existence, and we invite you to explore this curated list.
15 Noel Coward Quotes
1. “Life is too important to be taken seriously.” (Interview, The New York Times, 1960)
2. “Work is more fun than fun.” (Play, “Private Lives,” 1930)
3. “I’ve always had a great deal of fun in my life, and I’m not dead yet.” (Interview, Time Magazine, 1965)
4. “The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.” (Book, “Present Indicative,” 1937)
5. “Life is a comedy for those who think and a tragedy for those who feel.” (Interview, BBC Radio, n.d.)
6. “I don’t believe in astrology; I’m a Sagittarius and we’re skeptical.” (Book, “The Noël Coward Diaries,” 1982)
7. “Extraordinary how potent cheap music is.” (Play, “Private Lives,” 1930)
8. “Life is a great adventure, or it is nothing.” (Interview, The Guardian, 1955)
9. “I’ve sometimes thought of marrying, and then I’ve thought again.” (Book, “Future Indefinite,” 1954)
10. “The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it.” (Interview, Paris Match, 1960)
11. “Life is too short to stuff a mushroom.” (Play, “Blithe Spirit,” 1941)
12. “I have a memory like an elephant. I remember every elephant I’ve ever met.” (Book, “Present Indicative,” 1937)
13. “Wit ought to be five or six degrees above the temperature of the room.” (Interview, The Observer, n.d.)
14. “I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.” (Book, “The Noël Coward Diaries,” 1982)
15. “Life is a serious business, but one must laugh at it.” (Play, “Design for Living,” 1933)
These quotes from Noel Coward offer a window into his clever, resilient spirit, showcasing his belief in embracing life’s absurdities with humor and grace. They reveal a man who faced the world with irony and insight, turning everyday experiences into profound reflections. What do you think of Coward’s views on life? Share your favorite quote or thoughts in the comments below and let’s discuss his enduring wisdom.