I did my best, and God did the rest.

Meaning of the quote

This quote means that Hattie McDaniel tried her hardest, and then she trusted that God would take care of the rest. She worked as hard as she could, and then she let God handle the things that were out of her control. This shows that she had faith that God would help her and guide her, even when she had done everything she could.

About Hattie McDaniel

Hattie McDaniel was a pioneering African American actress, singer, and comedian. She made history as the first Black person to win an Academy Award for her role in Gone with the Wind. Despite facing racism and segregation, McDaniel left an indelible mark on Hollywood and paved the way for future generations of Black artists.

More about the author

More quotes from Hattie McDaniel

That’s a powerful lucky rabbit’s foot. I got the part in Gone With the Wind because of it. I got my Warner contract, thanks to it.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

I did my best, and God did the rest.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

Faith is the black person’s federal reserve system.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

As for those grapefruit and buttermilk diets, I’ll take roast chicken and dumplings.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

I’m letting no man handle my bank account.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

Putting a little time aside for clean fun and good humor is very necessary to relieve the tensions of our time.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

I sincerely hope that I shall always be a credit to my race, and to the motion picture industry.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

I don’t belong on this earth. I always feel out of place – like a visitor.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

I’ve played everything but a harp.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

Playing the Mammy of Miss Leigh was just about the biggest thrill I’ve ever had.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

The entire race is usually judged by the actions of one man or woman.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

What is the thing that Hollywood demands most? Sincerity. No place in the world will pay such a high price for this admirable trait.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

A woman’s gifts will make room for her.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

In playing the part of Mammy, I tried to make her a living, breathing character, the way she appeared to me in the book.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

My desire for the part of Mammy was not dominated by selfishness for Hollywood has been good to me and I am grateful.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

When I was little, my mother taught me how to use a fork and knife. The trouble is that Mother forget to teach me how to stop using them!

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

It sure looks good to see an honest-to-goodness audience after looking at you all for so long from the silver screen.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

You can best fight any existing evil from the inside.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

I always have the best of everything.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

Bob Hope, Red Skelton, and Eddie Cantor… help us keep our balance.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

We all respect sincerity in our friends and acquaintances, but Hollywood is willing to pay for it.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

Every actor and actress is possessed of the absorbing passion to create something distinctive and unique.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)

I am loathe to get married again. I’ve been married enough; I just prefer to forget it.

Hattie McDaniel

American actress (1895-1952)