Meaning: The quote "I was also the romantic lead in The Boston Strangler - I was the only one that lived to tell the story - so I called myself the romantic lead." by Sally Kellerman, an actress, is a humorous and somewhat darkly ironic statement. Sally Kellerman made this remark in reference to her role in the 1968 film "The Boston Strangler," in which she played a character who survives an encounter with the notorious serial killer Albert DeSalvo.

In the context of the quote, Kellerman is highlighting the fact that her character, unlike the other victims of the Boston Strangler, managed to survive and thus jokingly refers to herself as the "romantic lead." This statement is both a play on words and a reflection of the grim nature of the character she portrayed in the film.

The Boston Strangler was a real-life criminal who terrorized the city of Boston in the early 1960s, and the film is based on the true story of his crimes. Kellerman's character's survival in the film contrasts sharply with the fate of the Strangler's other victims, making her humorous self-designation as the "romantic lead" all the more striking.

Sally Kellerman's portrayal of this character in "The Boston Strangler" showcases her ability to infuse depth and complexity into her roles. Despite the dark subject matter of the film, Kellerman's performance and her subsequent humorous take on the role demonstrate her versatility as an actress. Her ability to find humor in such a grim story reflects her talent for balancing serious drama with lightheartedness.

Moreover, Kellerman's comment also sheds light on the nature of storytelling and the characters within it. By referring to herself as the "romantic lead," she is playfully challenging the traditional romantic lead archetype, which typically does not survive such harrowing experiences. Her remark serves as a commentary on the often predictable and formulaic nature of storytelling, where certain characters are expected to fulfill specific roles and meet certain fates.

In addition, Kellerman's quote can be interpreted as an assertion of agency and empowerment. By humorously claiming the title of "romantic lead" for her character, who defied the odds and survived, she is asserting the importance of resilience and the ability to shape one's own narrative. In a story dominated by the actions of a notorious criminal, Kellerman's character's survival becomes a subversion of expectations and a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Overall, Sally Kellerman's quote about her role in "The Boston Strangler" offers a glimpse into the complexities of storytelling, the nuances of character portrayal, and the blending of humor with dark subject matter. It showcases Kellerman's talent as an actress and her ability to find levity in challenging roles, while also inviting reflection on the nature of storytelling and the roles we assign to characters within it.