September 13: Notable Births, with Quotes

Explore memorable and revealing quotes from public figures, past and present, who were born on September 13.

Roald Dahl, author (September 13, 1916–November 23, 1990)

“It’s never swept up or dusted because no one’s allowed to come out here to do that. I’m the only person who ever comes into my little work hut.” —Roald Dahl
BBC Archive. “Roald Dahl On His Writing Process.” YouTube, April 13, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIRI4F-KKSo

“For about 20 years I’ve had a tiny little note in my notebook, saying, ‘Do a story about a child who can make things move with her eyes alone,’ and I’ve kept looking at this over the years. Finally, a little over a year ago, I decided to have a go at it. The first time Matilda discovers this power of hers, she gets angry with a headmistress.” —Roald Dahl
BBC Archive. “Roald Dahl On His Writing Process.” YouTube, April 13, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIRI4F-KKSo

Claudette Colbert, actor (September 13, 1903–July 30, 1996)

“The only reason I harped on doing serious pictures is that people think comedy is easy, and it is not. … Some actresses have such an attack of the cutes in playing comedy, but comedy should be played dead seriously. … No role that I’ve done is like me. … That’s the reason I love acting.” —Claudette Colbert
Sweeney, Louise. “Another Honor for Claudette Colbert.” The Christian Science Monitor, December 1, 1989, https://www.csmonitor.com/1989/1201/lcolb.html

“When you do a play, the audience tells you what you’re doing. The screen never does. Only the director will tell you.” —Claudette Colbert
Sweeney, Louise. “Another Honor for Claudette Colbert.” The Christian Science Monitor, December 1, 1989, https://www.csmonitor.com/1989/1201/lcolb.html

Milton S. Hershey, chocolatier and businessman (September 13, 1857–October 13, 1945)

“I was a poor boy myself once.” —Milton S. Hershey
Wooster, Martin Morse. “Milton Hershey.” Philanthropy Roundtable, https://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/resource/milton-hershey/

“The caramel business is a fad.” —Milton S. Hershey
Wooster, Martin Morse. “Milton Hershey.” Philanthropy Roundtable, https://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/resource/milton-hershey/

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