In simple terms, this quote suggests that actors and actresses who spend a long time performing on stage or screen may not engage deeply with their own lives and personal growth because they are constantly portraying different characters for money. This means that while these performers might excel at understanding and playing various roles, they could lack introspection about themselves.
On a deeper level, the quote also implies that individuals who continuously act out other people's lives or experiences might find it challenging to scrutinize their own choices and behaviors critically. The constant external focus on portraying others can often overshadow personal development and self-reflection. This kind of behavior is not unique to actors but can be observed in various professions where people are required to wear multiple masks for different audiences, leading to a disconnect between their public personas and private selves.
Michael Korda, the author of this quote, was an esteemed British-American writer, editor, and publishing executive. He worked at Simon & Schuster for over four decades and is known for his insightful biographies and essays on various subjects including politics, war, and literature. His own experiences in the public eye, coupled with his deep understanding of cultural figures through his work, likely informed this perceptive comment about the nature of fame and its impact on personal introspection.
