Meaning: The quote "I wasn't an actor. They take the externals. Here I was, a kid thrown into Hollywood with a brand-new name, starring in motion pictures" by Tab Hunter reflects his experience as a young actor in Hollywood. Tab Hunter was a popular American actor and singer who rose to fame in the 1950s. Born Arthur Andrew Kelm, he was given the stage name Tab Hunter by his agent, Henry Willson, as part of the studio system's practice of rebranding actors to fit certain images or personas.

In this quote, Hunter expresses a sense of being thrust into the world of acting without much prior experience or preparation. He acknowledges that the industry often focuses on the external qualities of an individual, such as their appearance and image, rather than their true talent or passion for acting. This sentiment sheds light on the superficial nature of Hollywood and the challenges that young actors face when navigating its competitive and often cutthroat environment.

Hunter's remark about being "a kid thrown into Hollywood with a brand-new name" underscores the manufactured nature of stardom in the entertainment industry. The practice of renaming actors was common during the golden age of Hollywood, with studios and agents often crafting new identities for their clients to appeal to a broader audience or fit a specific mold. This process could result in a disconnection between the individual's true identity and the persona they were expected to embody on screen.

Furthermore, Hunter's mention of "starring in motion pictures" highlights the rapid ascent to fame that he experienced early in his career. Despite his initial feelings of being unprepared or unqualified for the role of an actor, he found himself in leading roles in major films, which speaks to the unpredictable and sometimes arbitrary nature of success in the entertainment industry.

This quote offers a glimpse into the complexities of Hollywood's star-making machinery and the personal struggles that actors may encounter as they navigate the demands of the industry. Hunter's candid reflection on his own journey sheds light on the pressures and challenges faced by young performers who are thrust into the spotlight and expected to conform to certain standards and expectations.

In addition to his acting career, Tab Hunter's experiences as a closeted gay man in Hollywood also add layers of complexity to his narrative. At a time when being openly gay could have been detrimental to a public persona carefully constructed by the studio system, Hunter's quote may also hint at the internal conflicts and identity struggles he faced behind the scenes.

Overall, Tab Hunter's quote provides valuable insights into the inner workings of Hollywood and the personal experiences of actors who navigate its often unforgiving terrain. It serves as a reminder of the external pressures and manufactured aspects of stardom, as well as the resilience and adaptability required of those who find themselves thrust into the world of show business at a young age.