"I had this sort of idolatry for certain actors who preceded me, people who inspired me, so I'm honored to be that way for young actors"

Meryl Streep is revealing her gratitude for the stars who influenced her and led the way for her own success. She acknowledges that she looked up to them and admired them, and is now honored to be in a similar position for young actors. She is humbled to be a source of inspiration for the next generation of actors, and to be able to offer them with the very same guidance and support that she received. Streep is revealing her gratitude for the stars who came prior to her, and is proud to be able to hand down their legacy. She is also showing her commitment to helping the next generation of actors reach their complete capacity. Streep's quote is a suggestion of the importance of paying it forward and acknowledging the impact that those who came prior to us have actually had on our lives.