22 Thought-Provoking Oscar Levant Quotes That Will Leave You Amused

Famous As: American pianist

Born On: 1906

Died On: 1972

Born In: Pittsburgh

Died At Age: 65

Oscar Levant was an American actor, comedian, piano player, writer and music composer, who rose to prominence in the 20th century as a comic on radio and a musician on the screen. Levant grew up in New York City and learnt piano under celebrated pianist Zygmunt Stojowski. Levant got his first break when he was only 18 with the short film titled ‘Ben Bernie and All The Lads’ in 1924, but it was not until he moved to Hollywood in 1928 that he really put his career on the upward curve. Levant became a music composer in Hollywood and composed the score for a slew of films over a period of around two decades. One of his noted songs include ‘Blame it on the Youth’. On the other hand, he also became a hugely popular radio personality for his witty presence as one of the panellists of ‘Information Please’, a quiz show. Levant was a multi-faceted talent who had also acted in films and some of his credits include ‘The Band Wagon’, ‘The Barkleys of Broadway’ and ‘An American in Paris’ among many others. We have compiled Levant’s quick-witted quotes from his life and work. Read on the compilation of Oscar Levant’s thoughts and quotations that will surely draw a smile on your face.

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Actors

Musicians

Film & Theater Personalities

Comedians

There's a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line.

There's a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line.
I
Oscar Levant

I was once thrown out of a mental hospital for depressing the other patients.

I was once thrown out of a mental hospital for depressing the other patients.
I
Oscar Levant

The only difference between the Democrats and the Republicans is that the Democrats allow the poor to be corrupt, too.

The only difference between the Democrats and the Republicans is that the Democrats allow the poor to be corrupt, too.
Oscar Levant

Every time I look at you I get a fierce desire to be lonesome.

Every time I look at you I get a fierce desire to be lonesome.
You Time I
Oscar Levant

What the world needs is more geniuses with humility, there are so few of us left.

What the world needs is more geniuses with humility, there are so few of us left.
Oscar Levant

Happiness isn't something you experience, it's something you remember.

Happiness isn't something you experience, it's something you remember.
You Experience Happiness
Oscar Levant

Roses are red, violets are blue, I'm schizophrenic, and so am I.

Roses are red, violets are blue, I'm schizophrenic, and so am I.
I
Oscar Levant

It's not what you are, it's what you don't become that hurts.

It's not what you are, it's what you don't become that hurts.
You
Oscar Levant

A pun is the lowest form of humor—when you don't think of it first.

A pun is the lowest form of humor—when you don't think of it first.
You Think
Oscar Levant

Underneath this flabby exterior is an enormous lack of character.

Underneath this flabby exterior is an enormous lack of character.
Character
Oscar Levant

Once I make up my mind, I'm full of indecision.

Once I make up my mind, I'm full of indecision.
I
Oscar Levant

So little time and so little to do.
Time
Oscar Levant

I'm going to memorize your name and throw my head away.

I'm going to memorize your name and throw my head away.
Oscar Levant

In some situations I was difficult, in odd moments impossible, in rare moments loathsome, but at my best unapproachably great.

In some situations I was difficult, in odd moments impossible, in rare moments loathsome, but at my best unapproachably great.
I
Oscar Levant

I'm controversial. My friends either dislike me or hate me

I'm controversial. My friends either dislike me or hate me
Me Friends
Oscar Levant

First I brush my teeth and then I sharpen my tongue.

First I brush my teeth and then I sharpen my tongue.
I
Oscar Levant

You can't possibly hear the last movement of Beethoven's Seventh and go slow. (Oscar trying to talk his way out of a speeding ticket)

You can't possibly hear the last movement of Beethoven's Seventh and go slow. (Oscar trying to talk his way out of a speeding ticket)
You Trying
Oscar Levant

There are two sides to every question: my side and the wrong side.

There are two sides to every question: my side and the wrong side.
Oscar Levant

I've changed, I'm nice to people and I'm not so self-centered. What I'm trying to do now is think of the other person. The only trouble is, I've found that the other person thinks only of himself.

I've changed, I'm nice to people and I'm not so self-centered. What I'm trying to do now is think of the other person. The only trouble is, I've found that the other person thinks only of himself.
Think Trying
Oscar Levant