" I wasn’t making any money, but I didn’t feel unsuccessful because of that. You can do that in New York but not in Hollywood. In Hollywood, it is how much money you make. "
- Mary Steenburgen

In the quote under consideration, Mary Steenburgen reflects on her experiences within two different environments: New York and Hollywood. She describes a situation where she was not earning much money but did not consider herself unsuccessful because of it. According to Steenburgen, this mindset can be maintained in New York City, an environment that values diverse forms of success beyond financial gains. However, she contrasts this with the culture of Hollywood, which places significant emphasis on monetary achievements as a measure of one's success and status.

The deeper meaning behind Steenburgen’s words delves into the cultural differences between these two environments in terms of how they assess personal achievement and contentment. New York City is often portrayed as a place where various aspects of life contribute to an individual's sense of fulfillment, such as creativity, career satisfaction, and personal growth. On the other hand, Hollywood tends to prioritize financial success as the primary indicator of one’s worth and accomplishment in the entertainment industry. This quote highlights the importance of finding intrinsic motivation and personal satisfaction beyond just monetary rewards, emphasizing that true success can come from different sources depending on where you are.

Mary Steenburgen is an accomplished American actress with a rich career spanning several decades. She has starred in numerous films, earning critical acclaim and accolades such as an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Melvin and Howard" (1980). Her reflections provide insight not only into the dynamics of Hollywood but also into broader themes about success and personal fulfillment across various professional landscapes.