Like so many people, I only remembered Orson Welles as this huge, fat, bearded figure selling wine in TV commercials. So whenever anyone said I looked like Orson Welles I said that I wasn't that fat, and I would get on a diet, quickly.

The quote by Christian McKay reflects on his initial perception of Orson Welles, where he remembered Welles primarily as a "huge, fat, bearded figure" due to his later years. In these years, Welles became widely recognized for his TV commercials for Paul Masson wine, which further cemented this image in the public's mind. This comedic reflection on his first impression shows how a celebrity's later, often caricatured, appearances can overshadow their earlier, more iconic work.

McKay humorously touches on how he felt when others compared his appearance to Welles' in this later phase of his life. The comment "I wasn't that fat" reveals his discomfort with the comparison, leading him to quickly react by going on a diet. This line plays on the idea of how societal standards, especially around body image, can influence people’s behavior, even if the comparison is made in jest.

The underlying humor of the quote also speaks to how public figures can become defined by a specific moment or image, regardless of their broader contributions. Orson Welles is remembered for much more than his later weight and beard, including his groundbreaking work in film and theater, such as Citizen Kane and the infamous War of the Worlds broadcast. McKay's comment reflects a more superficial perception of Welles that overshadows his cultural and artistic achievements.

Overall, McKay's quote serves as a funny, yet insightful reflection on perception and identity in relation to how celebrities are remembered. It also touches on how humor can be used as a coping mechanism when faced with potentially uncomfortable comparisons.