51st State was one that I loved doing because the character was so out there, and in a way I was sad to leave the character behind. I'm afraid I could never be that cool in real life!

In this quote, Emily Mortimer reflects on her experience playing a character in the film 51st State. She expresses her fondness for the role, describing the character as "out there", meaning unique, bold, or unconventional. Mortimer reveals that she enjoyed the freedom and creativity of portraying such a character, which allowed her to explore different aspects of personality and behavior that she might not have experienced in real life. The quote also reveals a sense of attachment to the character, as she mentions feeling "sad to leave the character behind."

Mortimer’s statement also touches on the idea of self-identity and the contrast between her real self and the more cool or daring persona she portrayed on screen. She humorously suggests that she could never be that cool in real life, implying that acting allows an artist to step into a role that may be vastly different from their everyday personality. This reflects a common sentiment among actors who find themselves drawn to characters that challenge or excite them in ways their real-life selves cannot.

The origin of this quote lies in Mortimer's experience as an actress, known for her roles in both comedic and dramatic films. 51st State (also known as The 51st State in some regions) is a film in which she played a fun, larger-than-life character. Her affection for the role reflects the way she embraces diverse and complex characters in her acting career, showing a deeper appreciation for the freedom and transformation that acting provides. This quote highlights how an actor's connection to their role can impact their perception of self and identity.