Meaning: Estelle Parsons, an accomplished actress, reflects on the experience of getting into the skin of a character in this quote. She expresses a sense of rediscovery and reconnection with the immersive process of embodying a role. This quote resonates with the idea of the actor's craft as a deeply personal and transformative experience.

When an actor takes on a role, they are tasked with the challenge of not merely portraying a character but fully inhabiting their persona. This process involves delving into the psychological and emotional makeup of the character, understanding their motivations, and internalizing their experiences. Parsons' words capture the essence of this transformation, highlighting the profound impact it can have on an actor's sense of self and performance.

Acting is often described as a process of empathy, requiring the ability to step into another person's shoes and see the world through their eyes. This empathetic engagement with a character's inner life demands a high level of emotional intelligence and introspection. It is not merely a matter of memorizing lines and hitting marks but rather a journey of self-discovery through the exploration of diverse identities and perspectives.

Parsons' description of feeling "different" and experiencing a profound shift in her approach to embodying a character speaks to the dynamic nature of the actor's relationship with their craft. Each new role presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for growth, requiring actors to continually adapt and evolve in their artistic practice. The sense of forgetting and remembering alludes to the cyclical nature of this process, where familiarity with the demands of the craft gives way to moments of revelation and rediscovery.

The quote also captures the elusive nature of the actor-character relationship. The challenge of "getting into the skin" of a character suggests a physical and psychological immersion, blurring the boundaries between the actor's own identity and that of the character they portray. This process involves shedding one's own persona to inhabit another, a transformation that can be both exhilarating and disorienting.

Furthermore, Parsons' use of the phrase "felt so different" underscores the transformative power of the actor-character connection. The act of embodying a character is not merely an intellectual exercise but a deeply embodied experience that can elicit profound emotional and sensory responses. It is through this process of embodiment that actors are able to breathe life into their performances, offering audiences a glimpse into the inner world of the characters they portray.

In conclusion, Estelle Parsons' quote encapsulates the deeply personal and transformative nature of the actor's craft. Her words resonate with the challenges and rewards of embodying a character, underscoring the dynamic and immersive journey that actors undertake in their pursuit of authenticity and emotional truth. This reflection serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that the art of acting can have on both the performer and the audience.