"It makes me proud, and it makes me scared. More than anything, I want to be an actor and I want to keep working, and I think there's a danger in being perceived as a poster boy for something"

Randy Harrison expresses a sense of both pride and apprehension regarding his public identity and career. The juxtaposition of pride and fear reveals the complex emotions that can come with recognition, especially when it involves representing something larger than oneself. Feeling proud indicates that he values the work he’s done and the reputation he’s built; he is aware that his achievements can inspire others or mark milestones for himself or for communities he represents. This pride stems from years of dedication to his craft and a commitment to authenticity in his roles and public life.

However, fear emerges alongside this pride because public perception can become a double-edged sword. Being seen as a "poster boy" suggests being viewed as the symbol or spokesperson for a particular group, cause, or identity. While carrying such a banner might bring visibility and open doors, it also creates expectations and limitations. Harrison’s words reflect his anxiety that being reduced to a representative figure could impact the diversity of roles offered to him, pigeonholing his talent into narrowly defined categories. A career in acting thrives on versatility and variety, and the risk of typecasting can be daunting to any actor who wants longevity and creative fulfillment.

His strongest desire is to continue working as an actor, an ambition that requires both artistic freedom and opportunities not constrained by public labels or symbolic status. The struggle between wanting to embrace recognition, and everything it brings, and wanting to maintain artistic integrity is at the heart of his sentiment. Harrison acknowledges the honor of being embraced as a figurehead but wants to avoid being boxed in or having his career defined solely by others’ perceptions. The underlying message is a plea for audiences and industry decision-makers to see beyond the surface and allow him to evolve as an artist, to be known for his work as a whole rather than for the image imposed upon him.