Meaning: The quote "They very seldom let me lose my cool. They made me like I was Polly Perfect, which was ridiculous, so that when I bump into kids on the street they'd say 'I wish my Mom were like you.'" by Charlotte Rae, an actress, reflects her experience of being typecast as a perfect and unflappable mother figure. The quote sheds light on the impact of her portrayal on the public's perception of her and the unrealistic expectations it created.

Charlotte Rae was best known for her role as Edna Garrett, first on the sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" and then on its spin-off "The Facts of Life." In both shows, she played the role of a caring and nurturing housemother responsible for guiding and supporting a group of young characters. This portrayal earned her a reputation as the quintessential maternal figure, embodying patience, wisdom, and unwavering composure.

Rae's quote suggests that this image created by her on-screen persona had a significant influence on the way she was perceived by the public. By mentioning that "They very seldom let me lose my cool," Rae implies that her public image as a flawless and composed mother figure was so ingrained that any deviation from this persona was met with surprise or disbelief. This constant pressure to embody an idealized version of motherhood likely took a toll on her personal identity and the way she was perceived by others.

Furthermore, Rae's mention of being made to feel "like I was Polly Perfect" highlights the unrealistic standards imposed on her as a result of her on-screen role. The term "Polly Perfect" conveys the idea of someone who is faultless and without flaws, a depiction that Rae found ridiculous and unattainable. This portrayal not only placed immense pressure on her to maintain an impeccable image but also contributed to the public's perception of her as an unattainable standard of motherhood.

The impact of Rae's portrayal is further illustrated by her statement that when she encountered children on the street, they would express a wish for their own mothers to be like her. This demonstrates the extent to which her on-screen persona influenced the expectations of real-life mothers. The idealized image of motherhood portrayed by Rae led to her being held up as a role model for parenting, with children expressing a desire for their own mothers to emulate her on-screen character.

In conclusion, Charlotte Rae's quote provides insight into the challenges she faced as an actress who became synonymous with an idealized version of motherhood. Her experience reflects the powerful influence of on-screen personas on public perceptions and the impact of being typecast as a perfect maternal figure. The quote serves as a reminder of the complexities and pressures faced by actors in reconciling their on-screen personas with their personal identities and the unrealistic standards imposed by such portrayals.