- [1956] I can't ever remember being young in my life.
- I never liked being called the "most decorated" soldier. There were so many guys who should have gotten medals and never did--guys who were killed.
- [fellow US Army officer about Murphy] Don't let that baby face fool you, that's the toughest soldier in the Third Division.
- [on his acting career] I'm working under a great handicap . . . no talent.
- [of his role as himself in To Hell and Back (1955)] I don't think I'm the type. Maybe Tony Curtis would do.
- [Bill Mauldin about Murphy] In him, we all recognized the straight, raw stuff, uncut and fiery as the day it left the still. Nobody wanted to be in his shoes, but nobody wanted to be unlike him, either.
- [on turning 40] I guess my face is still the same, and so is the dialogue. Only the horses were changed.
- I'm strong. I'm too tough for this town [Hollywood]. I won't let it break my heart. I won't let it break me. I'll fight it to the finish. I just wish it was a fight I knew how to fight.
- [after turning down an offer to do a beer commercial] How would it look: 'War Hero Drinks Booze'? I couldn't do that to kids.
- Hell, I don't think anyone has any friends in the industry. When you're hot, everyone wants a piece of you. When word gets around you're washed up, no one will touch you with a 10-foot pole. They're afraid you will ask them for a job. Or a loan. Or maybe repayment of an old debt.
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