"I didn't have any confidence in my beauty when I was young. I felt like a character actress, and I still do"

In this quote, Meryl Streep is assessing her self-perception and the evolution of her self-confidence concerning her look for many years. Her declaration, "I didn't have any self-confidence in my charm when I was young", exposes a sense of insecurity or lack of self-assurance about her physical appearance throughout her younger years. This is a relatable sentiment for many people, especially in a market like acting, where look is typically subjected to scrutiny and contrast.

By describing herself as feeling "like a character actress", Streep may be highlighting that she saw herself as someone who did not fit the conventional mold of leading roles usually defined by conventional standards of appeal. In the movie industry, "character starlets" are typically differentiated by their ability to embody a wide range of diverse and intricate functions, instead of being cast mainly for their looks. This self-identification recommends that Streep saw her strengths as a starlet in her adaptability and skill, rather than reliance on physical beauty alone.

The continuation of this self-view into her later life, encapsulated in the expression "and I still do", indicates a continuity in her point of view. In spite of her tremendous success and around the world acknowledgment, Streep seems to maintain a grounded and perhaps modest understanding of her appeal as a starlet. It shows an approval and accept of her distinct identity and abilities beyond superficial attributes.

Furthermore, this quote underscores a wider commentary on self-regard and how people specify appeal and skill. It suggests a narrative of growing self-confidence in one's capabilities and recognition that value in an industry, or in life, is not exclusively figured out by look. Streep's view obstacles social norms, highlighting the significance of depth, ability, and credibility over conventional ideas of beauty, functioning as an empowering message for others who may feel marginalized or underestimated based upon looks alone.