Meaning: The quote "I lied to everybody. I lie very well, being an actress, naturally." by Lynn Fontanne, a renowned actress of the 20th century, is a striking statement that sheds light on the nature of acting and the ability of actors to convincingly portray characters by embodying emotions and experiences that may not necessarily reflect their own. Lynn Fontanne, born in 1887, was a British-American actress who, along with her husband Alfred Lunt, achieved great success on stage and became known for her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.

In this quote, Fontanne openly acknowledges the inherent nature of acting as a profession that involves deception. She admits to lying, but emphasizes her proficiency in doing so, attributing it to her natural abilities as an actress. This admission reflects the complexity of the acting profession and the paradoxical relationship between truth and illusion within the realm of performance.

Acting, at its core, involves the portrayal of characters and the conveyance of their stories, emotions, and experiences to an audience. This often requires actors to immerse themselves in roles that may be vastly different from their own personalities and lived experiences. In order to authentically embody these characters, actors must convincingly convey emotions and situations that they may not have personally encountered. This aspect of the profession can be seen as a form of "lying" in the sense that actors are presenting a version of reality that is not their own.

However, Fontanne's assertion that she lies "very well" speaks to the mastery and skill required to effectively deceive an audience through performance. It underscores the discipline, talent, and dedication that actors must possess in order to convincingly bring characters to life and suspend the disbelief of the audience. In this context, the act of "lying" is transformed into a sophisticated art form that requires a deep understanding of human emotions, motivations, and behavior.

Furthermore, Fontanne's reference to being an actress "naturally" suggests that her ability to deceive through performance is an innate quality, one that is deeply ingrained in her being. This insight into the natural aptitude for acting highlights the unique talents and sensibilities that distinguish exceptional actors and contribute to their ability to captivate and move audiences.

In conclusion, Lynn Fontanne's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the essence of acting and the inherent dichotomy of truth and deception within the profession. It serves as a testament to the artistry, skill, and dedication required to convincingly portray characters and evoke authentic emotional responses from audiences. Fontanne's acknowledgment of her ability to "lie very well" as an actress underscores the nuanced complexities of the craft and the profound impact that skilled performers can have through their ability to artfully blur the lines between reality and illusion on stage.