I liked what Mario Puzo said when they asked him who he based Don Corleon on. He said “My mother.” When they asked him what he meant he told them a story.
He had just gotten the biggest book advance in history for Godfather II. $500,000. He called to tell his mom. Next thing you know his relatives are calling him to congratulate him on his $50,000 book advance. He calls his mom and says “Mom, why are you telling people I got a $50,000 advance? It was $500,000!”. She replied “you don't TELL PEOPLE that!”
:)
I forgot Maureen O’Hara in my list. She too was a goddess.