I am not a has-been. I am a will be.

Meaning of the quote

The quote means that Lauren Bacall does not see herself as a person who has already achieved success and is now in the past (a "has-been"). Instead, she sees herself as someone who still has a future and more accomplishments to come (a "will be"). She is confident that she has more to offer and has not reached the end of her career.

About Lauren Bacall

Lauren Bacall was an iconic American actress known for her alluring, sultry presence and distinctive, husky voice. She was a major star of Hollywood’s Golden Age, appearing in numerous classic films alongside her husband Humphrey Bogart. Bacall’s career spanned over 60 years, and she received numerous accolades, including an Academy Honorary Award for her contribution to the film industry.

More about the author

More quotes from Lauren Bacall

A woman isn’t complete without a man. But where do you find a man – a real man – these days?

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)

A man’s illness is his private territory and, no matter how much he loves you and how close you are, you stay an outsider. You are healthy.

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)

They’re guys who want to screw around all the time, which interests me not at all. God knows we’ve done that, been there, and we don’t want to do that any more.

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)

When you talk about a great actor, you’re not talking about Tom Cruise.

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)

I am essentially a loner.

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)

Looking at yourself in a mirror isn’t exactly a study of life.

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)

I don’t sit around thinking that I’d like to have another husband; only another man would make me think that way.

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)

You can’t start worrying about what’s going to happen. You get spastic enough worrying about what’s happening now.

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)

Stardom isn’t a profession; it’s an accident.

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)

It’s inappropriate and vulgar and absolutely unacceptable to use your private life to sell anything commercially.

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)

I used to tremble from nerves so badly that the only way I could hold my head steady was to lower my chin practically to my chest and look up at Bogie. That was the beginning of The Look.

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)

Imagination is the highest kite one can fly.

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)

I am not a has-been. I am a will be.

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)

I think your whole life shows in your face and you should be proud of that.

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)

I figure if I have my health, can pay the rent and I have my friends, I call it ‘content.’

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)

I wish Frank Sinatra would just shut up and sing.

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)

In Hollywood, an equitable divorce settlement means each party getting fifty percent of publicity.

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)

I’m not a sedentary person. I’ve always been active.

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)

Find me a man who’s interesting enough to have dinner with and I’ll be happy.

Lauren Bacall

American actress and model (1924-2014)