Quote: Helen Hayes

"If you rest, you rust."

- Helen Hayes

Helen Hayes Brown (1900 – 1993) was an American actress whose career spanned almost 70 years. Dubbed the "First Lady of the American Theatre", she was one of twelve people who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony award. The Oscar was received for Best Supporting Acress for playing an elderly stowaway in the 1970 pic Airport. Hayes has also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor, from President Ronald Regan in 1986.

From President Regan’s presentation speech: 

I can't resist pointing out that Helen was married to a happy rebel named Charlie MacArthur, a wonderful playwright and a man of natural style. When she first set eyes on Charlie, it was at a party. And he was eating from a bag of peanuts. He looked at her and asked if she'd like some peanuts. And as he poured them into her hand he said, "I wish they were emeralds." And years later, as a famous and celebrated playwright, he bought Helen what she'd asked for as an anniversary gift—a handful of jewels. And as he poured the emeralds into her hand, you know what he said? "I wish they were peanuts."