Showing posts with label Fame. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fame. Show all posts

Starbucks...scary customer interrupts morning tea!


If you're like me, you mingle among the regular folks as you do your errands throughout the day.

Generally, when I cross paths with other pedestrians, store clerks, cashiers - the like - I try to be courteous.

But, on occasion, you happen across some wacko and there is bound to be a misunderstanding or two.

Like this morning, for instance.

Shortly after I slipped into Starbucks for my morning cup of tea, a strange man called out my name so loud, the other patrons were inclined to turn his way.

As I attempted to stroll to a table to avoid the stranger, he proceeded to follow me!

And, when I sat down and tried to peruse my newspaper, he hovered above me and tried to engage in a conversation with little regard for my privacy.

At this juncture, I was forced to inform him I wasn't interested in his company.

Instead of turning away, he proceeded to engage in a number of strange head games; in fact, he started to act like we were old friends, or something.

Egads!

So, I found myself quoting a line oft used by the wise and glamorous old-time film star Greta Garbo,

"I just want to be left alone"

It did the trick.

Thank you, Greta! Now I understand.

Sometimes a direct approach is the best course of action to follow.

Lord Byron once said,
"What is fame? The advantage of being known by people of whom you yourself know nothing, and for whom you care as little."

Fame...blogger-style! Fish-bowl existence, with gawkers galore!



Well, things are heating up at blogspot, that's for sure!

When I first started to "post" a few months ago at a Fox Website (OTL) reality show, it was basically on a whim. Each day, I would reflect on my thoughts, or pen a topical post on a newsworthy event.

The show folded at the end of August last year, so I moved on to blogspot, not expectin' much feedback.

Ah, but much better tools to toy with at the google site. And, a worldwide audience to cater to, if a blogger pines to expand horizons from a small fish pond to the great ocean beyond.

Well, in recent days, it appears to have panned out. You see, everywhere I go, people tend to recognize me.

For instance, I was in a restaurant last week and overheard one lad whisper to his effervescent pal,

"Do you know who that is?"

I turned to take a gander at the person they were kibitzing about - turned out to be moi! Ooops! After getting caught red-handed, the flustered duo tried to suppress their classic "egg-on-the-face" demeanor, as I turned back to sip on my piping-hot java.

Then, the other night as I was walking through a trendy Nightclub, the heads started turning one by one - not unlike a domino effect - as club-goers spied me picking my way through the packed high-energy house.

As I passed by a couple of twenty-something kids, I heard one of 'em gush,

"He looks like an 80's rock star."

"Yes, he does," his pal chimed in.

Yup, a handful of us have been famous for our golden locks - pop icon Rod Stewart, teen idol Peter Frampton, and yours truly! And, I intend to keep each lustrous strand, until father time tugs 'em out at the roots, I guess!

Natch, I was flattered by the compliment. I gobbled it up, in fact.

Heh, Dudes, B52's and shots on the house.

Now, I understand how celebrities feel in their new-found infamy; albeit, on a more miniscule scale.

Personally, I believe it's preferable to acquire fame over a duration of time, so you can sort-of settle in to the "spotlight" with the least intrusive upset.

Actually, for most of my adult life I have been fairly well-known, in varying degrees of red-hot celebrity.

For example, I often graced the pages of National ads when I modelled in my teens, and was lucky to garner a handful of press clips in the newspapers, when an art exhibition or two was unveiled at a prominent gallery at landmark stages of my long and winding career.

So, over time, I was able to acclimatize myself to the phenomenon of being in the public eye.

Actors tend to struggle for years in total oblivion, then BAM - with one plum role - they are suddenly thrust onto the world stage. On many a National talk show, astonished thespians swear up-and-down that no matter how prepared you think you are for the glare of the spotlight - when it hits, it can shell-shock 'ya - in many respects.

But, it's the bizarre behaviour of the ring-siders, that unsettle on occasion.

For instance, when I step into a cafe and a cashier spots me, their eyes go wide; then, they get all tongue-tied, might even turn beet red.

I pretend I'm clueless, snatch up my order, and head out the door with a smile.

Whew! Looney tunes, man!

Even counter staff at the local Library creep into a slow paralysis when they spy me heading their way at check out. When that dazed expression spreads wide across their faces, I have to seriously wonder, don't they realize how silly they appear?

Golly, if a star from the neighborhood popped in for a book loan, they'd probably poop their panties! And save em, for posterity! Yup, just catalogue 'em under "M" for memorabilia.

On occasion, when I sit down in Starbucks, a customer will subtly nudge a pal and whisper under his breath,

"Look, it's the blogger guy."

Well, I've been called worse!

Frankly, I'm surprised at how unsophisticated people truly are when they come into contact with "known entities"; especially in Los Angeles - where most folks ought to be jaded - 'ya know?

Funny thing, when I need to recognized - like at a bank, for instance - when I am cashing a check, they haven't a clue. But, when I would prefer anonymity - while tucking a dollar bill in the bikini of a lap dancer, or while I'm out of my gourd at a sports game - they're all eyes and ears!

I surmise the reason celebrities hang out together is because misery loves company. In a moment of celebrity crisis, they have each other to cling to, a warm body by their side to comfort 'em as they careen down dark alleys out of reach of the paparazzi and their searing penetrating lenses.

Two in a fishbowl - a tad cozier - wouldn't you agree?

I hazard a guess that now-a-days, I'll have to pay more attention to my dancing shoes; God forbid, should they be scuffed or down at the heels. And, spritz on fragrant deodorant daily, so the rumor mongers don't take jabs at me like they were inclined to with Keanu Reeves in his grunge days.

If I follow the golden rule - "always act like the person you want to impress is standing over your shoulder" - gossip mongers will be at a loss to conjure up gripes, don't you think?

Ah, fame. There are many ways to skin that cat.

Walter Winchell once said,

"The way to become famous fast is to throw a brick at someone who is famous"

Or a telephone, just ask Russel Crowe.

Sensory perception kicks in...

Autograph hounds...price of fame!

Colin Farrell signs autograph for fan...



Around TIN PAN ALLEY in New York City, ubiquitous autograph hounds scrounge around the streets, on the look-out for celebrities.

Fans with eagle eyes are either seeking an elusive autograph for their own collection, plan to trade the scribbles in their hot little hands for more prized ones - or just maybe - are in the signature biz seeking to make a fast buck here and there.

Frank Langella noted on a talk show once that when he was on the boards in the hit Broadway Show "Dracula", he was scouted down ad nauseam for his John Henry.

After all, with the glare of the spotlight on his career, a little flourish of the pen was bound to rustle up high sticker prices.

He jokingly noted that after the successful run of Dracula, he was in a phone booth one day chatting up a friend, when one of the regulars in the theatre district dashed up and banged on the door demanding his signature.

"Just a second," the charismatic Langella whispered politely through a crack in the sliding door, "I'll be off the phone in a second."

The guy retorted,

"Frank, I can't wait that long. Your autograph is only worth five bucks these days."

Ah, the fickle finger of fame!

When I first moved to the Big Apple, I used to get all giddied up, and catch a Broadway show or Concert on a Friday or Saturday night.

One night - as I stepped out of a taxicab dressed to-the-nines - a scruffy little man dashed up and asked me for my autograph.

I felt awkward because I didn't have any acting credits to speak of, then.

Obviously, because of the way I was elegantly attired, he assumed I was "somebody".

Yeah, I just exude star quality, don't I?

Although I was relatively well-known in Canada, it was doubtful he'd be familiar with my name and reputation in New York City. Most assuredly, my autograph would be of little value to him at that stage of my career.

But, when I tried to elude his advances by emphatically noting that he "wouldn't know me", he persisted.

"You'd be surprised," he cackled,

"I know a lot of the actors and the shows in town. I follow 'em."

"You wouldn't be familiar with me," I insisted, somewhat embarrassed.

But, he remained anchored by my side.

"Tell me your name," he pestered, "Who are you, come on!"

Finally, to get rid of him, I blurted out my name.

"Ah, never heard of you," he retorted, as he turned on his heel and scurried off to find the next victim.

The nerve!

Paul Newman told a hilarious story once that really takes the cake, though.

When a talk-show host asked that he share his strangest experience as a famous actor, he chuckled.

Apparently, Paul was taking a whiz at a urinal one day in a public "John" when a man sidled up at the next stall. Without batting an eye, he excitedly turned to the celebrated actor, and quizzed, "Are you Paul Newman?"

When Mr. Newman acknowledged he was, the fan asked for his autograph.

For obvious reasons, the Oscar-winner was dumbfounded.

If it were me - I would have turned and said "Yes" - then peed all over his leg.

How's that for a piece of memorabilia?

Tips on Autograph seeking according to WikiHow

First and foremost, remember that celebrities are just people.
Stars have real lives and responsibilities; so, make sure your timing is appropriate for the occasion. Fans are appreciated, but keep in mind that no one wants to be ambushed as they're savoring a mouthful of dinner at a trendy eatery.
Also, understand that celebrities are used to people asking them for autographs. They take it in stride; therefore, don't be too nervous. Approach the celebrity, but don't get so close that it annoys them.
It's a good idea to say "Hi," tell them your name, and offer up a light compliment. Do not gush, apparently they don't enjoy it.
Ask a question or two. For example, comment on their latest movie, video, book, or whatever they're famous for.
Hold out a pen and paper, but don't stuff it into their hands.
Ask for an autograph by saying "I'd love to have your autograph," or "May I take a picture with you?" Don't be shy. Be confident and smiley.

Good luck!


John Grisham's autograph

Blog Archive