---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When you're a failure in Hollywood…"
description: "\"When you're a failure in Hollywood, that's like starving to death outside a banquet hall, with smells of filet mignon driving you crazy.\" — Marilyn Monroe"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4cb/marilyn-monroe-416_banquets_when-you-re-a-failure-in-hollywood-that_893417.jpg"
---

#  When you're a failure in Hollywood, that's like starving…

![“When you're a failure in Hollywood, that's like starving to death outside a banquet hall, with smells of filet mignon driving you crazy.” quote by Marilyn Monroe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4cb/marilyn-monroe-416_banquets_when-you-re-a-failure-in-hollywood-that_893417.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4cb/marilyn-monroe-416_banquets_when-you-re-a-failure-in-hollywood-that_893417.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4cb/marilyn-monroe-416_banquets_when-you-re-a-failure-in-hollywood-that_893417.jpg)

> “When you're a failure in Hollywood, that's like starving to death outside a banquet hall, with smells of filet mignon driving you crazy.”

[Marilyn Monroe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marilyn-monroe/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Feeling like a failure in Hollywood feels as desperate as starving outside a feast, highlighting the stark contrast between desire and reality.

**In simple terms:** Failure feels like starving beside a banquet.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the illusion of success and seek authentic fulfillment.

Themes

failure Hollywood desire

Mood

melancholic hopeful

Type

cautionary inspirational

When to use this quote

- career setbacks
- personal growth
- mental health
- industry pressures

Key Concepts

psychology social comparison aspiration

Questions to Reflect On

- What does true success mean to you?
- How can you find value beyond external validation?

A Different Perspective

The metaphor may exaggerate personal pain.

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[Death](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/death/) [Driving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/driving/) [Failure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/failure/) [Filet mignon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/filet-mignon/) [Hollywood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hollywood/) [Smell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/smell/)

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> [Even when I get the fried-chicken special of the day, I have to dig into it like it’s filet mignon,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/viola-davis/even-when-i-get-the-fried-chicken-special-of-the-day-i-have-to-dig/)

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> [I always thought filet mignon was the steak to beat, but the fat content in a rib eye is fantastic.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neil-patrick-harris/i-always-thought-filet-mignon-was-the-steak-to-beat-but-the-fat/)

[Neil Patrick Harris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neil-patrick-harris/)

> [I'm not impressed by any cooks who can brag about a filet mignon. A guy who can take the neck of a shank or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anthony-bourdain/i-m-not-impressed-by-any-cooks-who-can-brag-about-a-filet-mignon-a/)

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## More by Marilyn Monroe

> [Everyone's just laughing at me. I hate it. Big breasts, big ass, big deal, Can't I be anything else ? Gee, how long can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marilyn-monroe/everyone-s-just-laughing-at-me-i-hate-it-big-breasts-big-ass-big-deal/)

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> [You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marilyn-monroe/you-believe-lies-so-you-eventually-learn-to-trust-no-one-but-yourself/)

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