"A reporter discovers, in the course of many years of interviewing celebrities, that most actors are more attractive behind a spotlight than over a spot of tea"

This quote by Phyllis Battelle recommends that celebs typically appear more appealing when they remain in the spotlight, such as on phase or in front of a video camera, than when they are in more intimate settings. This might be because they are more comfortable in the spotlight, where they can perform and put on a show, instead of in a more individual setting. The quote likewise implies that a press reporter, after talking to lots of stars, has actually come to this conclusion. This suggests that the press reporter has seen the distinction between how celebs provide themselves in the spotlight and in more individual settings. The quote suggests that celebrities typically place on a show in the spotlight, which can make them appear more appealing than they would in a more intimate setting.