Quote Of The Day By Joan Crawford: 'Love Is Like A Fire...'

Just like the woman herself, legendary actor Joan Crawford's birth year is controversial, with records showing she was born in Texas sometime between 1904 and 1908. The future icon's stepfather owned a vaudeville theater, piquing her interest in the stage. She made her way to Hollywood in the 1920s and adopted the flapper look as well as a new name. Studio heads didn't like her birth name, Lucille (Billie) Fay LeSueur, and set up a contest for movie fans to suggest a name for the rising star. Joan Arden was the winning name, but Arden was already in use by another actor; instead, Crawford was chosen. Billie LeSueur became Joan Crawford, one of the old Hollywood-inspired baby names that sound so glamorous both now and then.

Crawford became one of the most bankable stars of the late '20s and '30s, ultimately picking up a Best Actress Oscar for 1945's "Mildred Pierce." Crawford was known to have heated rivalries among co-stars, most notably Bette Davis. She was often quick to comment on her fellow actors, alternately doling out harsh criticism and genuine praise.

Crawford's personal life was just as tumultuous as her opinion of other actors, and the Hollywood icon was married four times and divorced three, which is possibly what prompted her to comment that love can be both heartwarming, but also crush you. This relatable theme is what makes Crawford our quote of the day.

Joan Crawford once said, "Love is like a fire. Whether it will warm your heart or burn down your house, you can never tell," in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 1954. Crawford was known not just for her sharp tongue, but also her straightforward take on things, which is why this quote has remained one of her most memorable through the years.

In 1954, the year Joan Crawford said this famous phrase, the actor was promoting the western romance film "Johnny Guitar." Online sleuths have suggested Crawford was discussing the film, and perhaps her personal life, when she made the reference to love being a crapshoot. At that point, her three previous marriages had warmed her heart until they bitterly burned out. However, her fourth and final marriage was much steadier. After a brief courtship, she married Pepsi-Cola CEO and chairman Alfred Steele in Las Vegas in 1955. Sadly, she found herself widowed too soon when Steele died from a heart attack in 1959.

Motherhood was another aspect of Crawford's life that tested the highs and lows of love. She was unable to conceive children, so she turned to adoption for all four of her children. Notably, Crawford had a falling out with her two oldest, Christina and Christopher. Christina went on to write a scathing biography, "Mommie Dearest," about her mother's alleged abuse. Younger twins Cathy and Cindy defended their mother, however, saying that Christina's memoir was fictionalized. Regardless, it's further proof that the tumult in Crawford's life probably did feel like a fire that sometimes roared with warmth and comfort, but at other times felt destructive and deflating.

Whether it's romantic or familial love, most of us can probably relate that this emotion comes with highs and lows. It doesn't mean we need to avoid it, but rather take a straightforward Crawford approach and be aware that while love can give you the warm and fuzzies, it can still burn you as well.

• "I think that the most important thing a woman can have — next to talent, of course — is her hairdresser."
• "Recently I heard a 'wise guy' story that I had a party at my home for 25 men. It's an interesting story, but I don't know 25 men I'd want to invite to a party."
• "Nobody can imitate me. You can always see impersonations of Katharine Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. But not me. Because I've always drawn on myself only."
• "If you've earned a position, be proud of it. Don't hide it. I want to be recognized. When I hear people say, 'Joan Crawford!' I turn around and say, 'Hi! How are you?'"
• "If you're going to be a star, you have to look like a star, and I never go out unless I look like Joan Crawford the movie star. If you want to see the girl next door, go next door."
• "I feel that if you have one ounce of good sense and one good friend, you'll never have to go to a psychiatrist."
• "Any actress who appears in public without being well-groomed is digging her own grave."