When I made a breakthrough as an actor, people started to say, 'Who's that bloke with the funny name?' They advised me to change it, saying it would never be put up in lights outside theaters because they couldn't afford the electricity. But I would never contemplate changing it. It's who I am.

In this quote, Pete Postlethwaite reflects on the early challenges he faced in his acting career, particularly concerning his name. He recalls how, when he started to gain recognition, people would often comment on his "funny" or unusual name, questioning whether it would be marketable in the entertainment industry. Some even advised him to change it, suggesting that it would never be displayed in theaters due to its perceived lack of appeal. This comment speaks to the industry's often superficial approach to branding and how names or personas are sometimes viewed as obstacles to success.

Postlethwaite’s response to these comments underscores his determination and pride in maintaining his authentic self. He firmly states that he would never contemplate changing his name because it is an integral part of who he is. His decision to keep his name despite the pressures to conform speaks to a deeper sense of identity and self-respect, as well as a belief that authenticity is more important than fitting into industry expectations.

The quote also highlights the tension between the desire to succeed in a competitive industry and the need to stay true to one's identity. Postlethwaite’s refusal to change his name suggests that he valued his personal integrity over commercial success, a sentiment that likely resonated throughout his career. By choosing not to alter his name, he emphasized that success should not come at the cost of one’s true self.

Ultimately, Postlethwaite’s quote is a statement about the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of external pressures. It serves as a reminder that authenticity should never be compromised, even in the pursuit of success. His refusal to change his name reflects a strong sense of self-awareness and a commitment to his individuality, values that shaped his career and legacy as an actor.