They very seldom let me lose my cool. They made me like I was Polly Perfect, which was ridiculous so that when I bump into kids on the street they'd say 'I wish my Mom were like you.'

The quote "They very seldom let me lose my cool. They made me like I was Polly Perfect, which was ridiculous so that when I bump into kids on the street they'd say 'I wish my Mom were like you.'" is from Charlotte Rae, an American actress best known for her role as Edna Garrett on the popular TV show The Facts of Life. In this statement, Rae reflects on how her character was portrayed as the perfect, idealized mother figure—Polly Perfect—in the eyes of the public and the producers of the show. Rae explains that while she had limited freedom to show her character's flaws or imperfections, her portrayal created unrealistic expectations from fans, particularly children.

Rae's comment about being portrayed as "Polly Perfect" suggests that her character's image was carefully crafted to appeal to viewers who were looking for an idealized role model. This perfection was at odds with Rae's true self, and she finds it almost ridiculous that the portrayal was so far removed from reality. The mention of children approaching her on the street and expressing their desire for their own mothers to be like her character highlights how the show's influence shaped public perception and created pressure on her to embody this perfect persona.

The phrase "lose my cool" speaks to Rae’s experience of having to maintain composure and be seen as the calm, rational, and unflappable figure in contrast to the more complex, multifaceted emotions that come with being human. It reflects the challenge of acting in a role where showing vulnerability or imperfection was discouraged, leading her to adopt a persona that was far from her natural self.

Ultimately, Charlotte Rae’s quote reflects on the tension between the public's expectations of perfection and the real human experience. It reveals the challenges actors face when portraying characters who are held to unrealistic standards and the impact such portrayals can have on how they are viewed by the audience. Rae's reflection speaks to the difficulty of living up to an image that, while beloved by fans, doesn't reflect the authentic self.