"An actor's popularity is fleeting. His success has the life expectancy of a small boy who is about to look into a gas tank with a lighted match"

This quote by Fred Allen is a metaphor for the short lived nature of an actor's success. It suggests that a star's appeal is short-lived and can be snuffed out rapidly, just like a small young boy checking out a gas tank with a lighted match. The quote suggests that a star's success is fragile and can be destroyed in an instant. It likewise suggests that an actor's success is unforeseeable and can be removed simply as quickly as it was gained. The quote acts as a pointer to actors that their success is not ensured and that they ought to not take it for approved. It also acts as an alerting to stars to be careful and not take unneeded risks that might result in completion of their success.