"God's children and their happiness are my reasons for being"

"I don't want to be called 'the greatest' or 'one of the greatest'; let other guys claim to be the best. I just want to be known as a clown because to me that's the height of my profession. It means you can do everything-sing, dance, and above all, make people laugh."

"Today's comics use four-letter words as a shortcut to thinking. They're shooting for that big laugh and it becomes a panic thing, using four-letter words to shock people."

"Mom used to say I didn't run away from home my destiny just caught up with me at an early age."

"I'd have avoided some of the pain if I could. Anyone would. But I wouldn't have missed knowing any of the people — even the ones whose leaving hurt most. In fact, the only thing I'm sorry about is that I didn't meet one particular guy, a clown named Joe Skelton. You know, he sure picked the right profession. I mean, a clown's got it all. He never has to hold back: He can do as he pleases. The mouth and the eyes are painted on. So if you wanta cry, you can go right ahead. The make up won't smear. You'll still be smiling. . . ."

"All men make mistakes, but married men find out about them sooner. " (from "1,911 Best Things Anybody Ever Said," )

"I only come to life when there are people watching."

"I'm nuts and I know it. But so long as I make 'em laugh, they ain't going to lock me up. "

"Our principles are the springs of our actions. Our actions, the springs of our happiness or misery. Too much care, therefore, cannot be taken in forming our principles."

"His death was the first time that Ed Wynn ever made anyone sad."

"No matter what your heartache may be, laughing helps you forget it for a few seconds."

"I personally believe that each of us was put here for a purpose — to build not to destroy. If I can make people smile, then I have served my purpose for God."

"Live by this credo: have a little laugh at life and look around you for happiness instead of sadness. Laughter has always brought me out of unhappy situations."