Making Chocolate from Wild Cacao
How to Make a Marshmallow Pop
Valentine Gifts for the Five Senses
McBites = Modern McNuggets?
Sausage Recipes of the Month
When Should Bars Cut You Off?
No reader question this week, Table Manners fans: Helena has her own etiquette dilemma.
If you see a celebrity in a bar or restaurant, what’s the etiquette? Is it OK to ask if he or she is really who you think he/she is? The question came up a few nights ago, when I was sitting at the bar at South Food + Wine Bar in San Francisco. A white-haired, dashing individual sat down beside me. “That’s Richard Branson!” I hissed. My friend wasn’t sure. “Yes, it is!” I whispered, feeling slightly giddy. I needed corroboration. “I’m pretty sure I saw Richard Branson” wouldn’t make much of an anecdote later.
If he was the mogul, he probably didn’t want to be badgered. But he was right next to us, all alone. My friend tapped his arm. “Excuse me. We have an etiquette question for you.” She explained the dilemma: If you see a famous person in a public place, should you let him dine in peace, or is it all right to out him? “You should go for it,” he said. “So can you give us confirmation?” I said. “Yes,” said the ruddy-faced billionaire, looking tickled.
Although Branson seemed to enjoy the attention, he might not have felt the same way if he had been with friends and I’d jumped into his lap and snapped a picture with my cell phone. A couple of days later, I talked to “David,” the husband of a movie star who asked that neither of them be identified. Based on their experiences, David offered a list of dos and don’ts for approaching a celebrity.
DON’T ask for a picture or an autograph. “The reason [asking for autographs] is annoying is most of the time the person isn’t an actual fan, they’re a professional autograph dealer. You’re just signing it so the person can make money.” As for pictures, he says, “You just ate a meal. You might have something in your teeth. And you have no control over what they do with the picture.”
DON’T misidentify the person. David explains, “If someone comes up to you and says, ‘I loved you in The Graduate,’ what are you supposed to say? Like, ‘Thanks, I loved that movie too. But I wasn’t in it.’” Be sure you know whom you’re talking to.
DO choose your moment. “It’s like the Mafia rule: If they’re with family, leave them alone,” says David. “If you see kids, especially little kids, stay away. People come up to you when your stroller’s just collapsed and you’ve spilt milk all over the floor.” And don’t approach in the middle of dinner. Wait until the check is paid. “When they’re putting their coat on, that’s your opportunity.”
DO keep it short. “If the person is a movie star, it’s weird, because you feel like you know them,” says David. “You feel like they’re a friend of yours. You shared something. They cried. You cried. You’re like: ‘We cried together.’” But, says David, “for them this is the 10,000th time they’ve been approached. It’s not the beginning of a friendship.” Don’t hang out and invite them to a barbecue. Say, “Hi, I really like your work,” then move on.
Table Manners appears every Wednesday. Have a Table Manners question? Email Helena.
ok dilemma: you see a dude who looks like Nick Jonas. You ask him for an autograph. STOP: this is what 'Nick' should do, you should write down your FIRST name and then write something like; I'm so glad I finally look like a celebrity! Thanks for making me feel appreciated!
That way no one feels hurt or embarrassed.
Shoot another typo! Third time's the charm
I'm not really that much of a nut about celebrities in general. For the most part, to me, there's not much difference between Tom Cruise and a shoe salesman, or a Jonas Brother and the zitty sixteen-year-old kid asking "want fries with that" at my local fast-food company.
There are few exceptions, including:
Ricardo Chavira (CARLOS on Desperate...+READ
Shoot another typo! Third time's the charm
I'm not really that much of a nut about celebrities in general. For the most part, to me, there's not much difference between Tom Cruise and a shoe salesman, or a Jonas Brother and the zitty sixteen-year-old kid asking "want fries with that" at my local fast-food company.
There are few exceptions, including:
Ricardo Chavira (CARLOS on Desperate Housewives)
Stephen King (one of my favorite authors since teenhood)
and a certain handsome, talented musician with the voice and face of an angel. You may have heard of this fellow. A gentleman by the name of DAVID BOWIE :-). If I was out to dine and spotted David Bowie, I would be hard pressed to pass him by. Tom Cruise or a Jonas Brother, howver, no big whoop as far as I'm concerned-COLLAPSE
The Rule: If a Celebrity is in a non-professional situation, ignore. If the Celebrity is in an activity where recognition is expected, recognize. You can tell which is which, as can a Celebrity.
Hence, when I was waiting at the same bus stop with Alan Ginsberg, I waited for the bus. When I saw a Celebrity signing his book at a store, I told on how I enjoyed his television shows, and he thanked...+READ
The Rule: If a Celebrity is in a non-professional situation, ignore. If the Celebrity is in an activity where recognition is expected, recognize. You can tell which is which, as can a Celebrity.
Hence, when I was waiting at the same bus stop with Alan Ginsberg, I waited for the bus. When I saw a Celebrity signing his book at a store, I told on how I enjoyed his television shows, and he thanked me. And, when I was on the inside of a small boutique store which kept its door locked during business hours, and Tom Wolff tried to enter, I let him in, but made no comment. And many years ago I waited at a stage door so I could get a star's autograph, willingly given, and appropriately illegible.-COLLAPSE
No..I never approach anyone while they are eating. I try to give them their personal space. However, if there is a situation where it's inevitable that there will be an exchange, then yes.
Sorry but no. The answer is no. You do not approach any celebrity at a restaurant. That is a faux-pas.
I once call someone approach Cal Ripkin in a restaurant. His response, "I'm having dinner with my wife right now, I'll be glad to sign an autograph for you later before I leave."
Don't you hate it when you're with someone and they spot a celebrity and start talking to them and then notice that you have failed to be adequately impressed and they ask: "Don't you know who this is?"
"This" usually ends up being very uncomfortable he's being treated like that . and you're very uncomfortable because you have no clue who "this" is and don't care but can see that the...+READ
Don't you hate it when you're with someone and they spot a celebrity and start talking to them and then notice that you have failed to be adequately impressed and they ask: "Don't you know who this is?"
"This" usually ends up being very uncomfortable he's being treated like that . and you're very uncomfortable because you have no clue who "this" is and don't care but can see that the converstation is making them uncomfortable and you hate seeing other human beings uncomfortable.-COLLAPSE
I think there is a difference between "celebrityhood" (which seeks out fame and attention) and being an actor (which is, after all, just a profession).
Actors don't necessarily start out thinking they're going to be famous... many of them just want to act. The fame and adulation come later, and by then, what are they going to do.... take up selling groceries to avoid autograph seekers?
I dont see the alure of getting an autograph. I dont care about "hollywood" celebrities, so I wouldnt even approach them at all. As for sports stars, I would never approach them at a restaurant(that is tacky), but if I saw one on the street, a simple handshake would be good enough for me, if they had the time..
Gene Hackman showed up at my dad's cabinet shop once. He was looking for lumber for some reason. When he walked in, the (very sweet) secretary gasped and sputtered "you ... you.... you" and he answered " Yes, I know. I look just like Robert Redford."
I thought that was terrific. Sadly, my dad was out on a job and didn't get to meet him.
Your "etiquette dilemma" makes a much better story than "One time, Richard Branson ate dinner at the table next to mine." I'm going to have to steal that and use it the next time I see a celebrity at dinner.
Being one of the people who's usually horrified by Helena's advice, I must say the way she & her friend handled the situation seems pretty cute & clever to me (which, after all, she doesn't offer up as advice anyway but simply as an anecdote).
While I guess I'm on the fence about whether one should or shouldn't, & I'd like to think I simply wouldn't, if I did, I hope I'd think to give my...+READ
Being one of the people who's usually horrified by Helena's advice, I must say the way she & her friend handled the situation seems pretty cute & clever to me (which, after all, she doesn't offer up as advice anyway but simply as an anecdote).
While I guess I'm on the fence about whether one should or shouldn't, & I'd like to think I simply wouldn't, if I did, I hope I'd think to give my approach her little theoretical twist.-COLLAPSE
Being one of the people who's usually horrified by Helena's advice, I must say the way she & her friend handled the situation seems pretty cute & clever to me (which, after all, she doesn't offer it up as advice anyway but simply as an anecdote).
While I guess I'm on the fence about whether one should or shouldn't, & I'd like to think I simply wouldn't, if I did, I hope I'd think to give my...+READ
Being one of the people who's usually horrified by Helena's advice, I must say the way she & her friend handled the situation seems pretty cute & clever to me (which, after all, she doesn't offer it up as advice anyway but simply as an anecdote).
While I guess I'm on the fence about whether one should or shouldn't, & I'd like to think I simply wouldn't, if I did, I hope I'd think to give my approach her little theoretical twist.-COLLAPSE
Mostly, I would not recognize a celebrity if I saw them. One of my favorite authors brought food to my dinner table (food related) a couple weeks ago and I did not know who he was. My husband kicked me under the table, because I'd wanted my book autographed forever, and have been known to haul it with me whenever I go to his place of business. This time, I didn't have it. Since I didn't know who...+READ
Mostly, I would not recognize a celebrity if I saw them. One of my favorite authors brought food to my dinner table (food related) a couple weeks ago and I did not know who he was. My husband kicked me under the table, because I'd wanted my book autographed forever, and have been known to haul it with me whenever I go to his place of business. This time, I didn't have it. Since I didn't know who he was till he was gone from the table, it would not have mattered. :)
My whole take on the thing is that they're famous, and... It's a job. Just like any other job, but with lots of cameras.-COLLAPSE
Living in LA I see celebrities pretty frequently, and have even been in the elevator at my school with one of them, but unless I'm really a fan and have something specific to say, I don't really see the point. Last night, Wilson Cruz from My So-Called Life was eating a few tables down from my friends and I, and we freaked out privately because we're big fans, but none of us felt inclined to...+READ
Living in LA I see celebrities pretty frequently, and have even been in the elevator at my school with one of them, but unless I'm really a fan and have something specific to say, I don't really see the point. Last night, Wilson Cruz from My So-Called Life was eating a few tables down from my friends and I, and we freaked out privately because we're big fans, but none of us felt inclined to approach or say anything. I guess I just don't see the point of a picture or autograph...what do you do with it? Frame it? Really?-COLLAPSE
Seems to me that just seeing someone can't be that big a deal. What will a photo or autograph really do for you anyway? If you actually interact with a person, that may well be memory enough. I'd choose hearing Will Smith chat with my son (who people frequently tell me looks like his son Jaden Smith) than wreck the moment with a photo.
I remember being on the beach with a boyfriend watching the...+READ
Seems to me that just seeing someone can't be that big a deal. What will a photo or autograph really do for you anyway? If you actually interact with a person, that may well be memory enough. I'd choose hearing Will Smith chat with my son (who people frequently tell me looks like his son Jaden Smith) than wreck the moment with a photo.
I remember being on the beach with a boyfriend watching the sunrise and some Mennonites walked by. Not unusual where I grew up, but was for the bf, and was at the beach. We all exchanged greetings and I thought for a moment at how awkward they might feel had it been more crowded. Then bf took out a camera and snapped their picture--no warning, no request. They looked as if they'd been slapped. All connection was broken. Obviously, most celebs aren't Mennonites, and they are accustomed to cameras, but I don't think anyone likes having their daily existence turned into an exchange item. And I certainly agree with David about being careful if said celeb has the kiddos along. I don't like being approached at 'teaching moments' with my son, disciplinary or otherwise. Why would anyone else?
My dad treated Johnny Cash in the ER once--someone had suggested gargling gasoline might clear up his cold before his show that night. Not a good idea. Dad didn't ask for an autograph, don't know where it would be if he had, but we'll always have the story.-COLLAPSE
Seems to me that just seeing someone can't be that big a deal. What will a photo or autograph really do for you anyway? If you actually interact with a person, that may well be memory enough. I'd choose hearing Will Smith chat with my son (who people frequently tell me looks like his son Jaden Smith) than wreck the moment with a photo.
I remember being on the beach with a boyfriend watching the...+READ
Seems to me that just seeing someone can't be that big a deal. What will a photo or autograph really do for you anyway? If you actually interact with a person, that may well be memory enough. I'd choose hearing Will Smith chat with my son (who people frequently tell me looks like his son Jaden Smith) than wreck the moment with a photo.
I remember being on the beach with a boyfriend watching the sunrise and some Mennonites walked by. Not unusual where I grew up, but was for the bf, and was at the beach. We all exchanged greetings and I thought for a moment at how awkward they might feel had it been more crowded. Then bf took out a camera and snapped their picture--no warning, no request. They looked as if they'd been slapped. All connection was broken. Obviously, most celebs aren't movie stars, and they are accustomed to cameras, but I don't think anyone likes having their daily existence turned into an exchange item. And I certainly agree with David about being careful if said celeb has the kiddos along. I don't like being approached at 'teaching moments' with my son, disciplinary or otherwise. Why would anyone else?
My dad treated Johnny Cash in the ER once--someone had suggested gargling gasoline might clear up his cold before his show that night. Not a good idea. Dad didn't ask for an autograph, don't know where it would be if he had, but we'll always have the story.-COLLAPSE
STAR GAZING
Approaching every celebrity you see is some kind of personality disorder in my view. Celebrity worship is almost a treatable sickness these days necessitating notables to surround themselves with body guards. However, having said that, there are a few personalities that would move me to approach,.. with respect.
Michelle Pfieffer for one. Although I might wait until she had finished...+READ
STAR GAZING
Approaching every celebrity you see is some kind of personality disorder in my view. Celebrity worship is almost a treatable sickness these days necessitating notables to surround themselves with body guards. However, having said that, there are a few personalities that would move me to approach,.. with respect.
Michelle Pfieffer for one. Although I might wait until she had finished her meal which would forgo any possibility of her asking me to join her.
I did ask to meet Academy award nominated director Walter Salles (Central Station, The Motorcycle Diaries) on set when acting as an extra on his film 'Dark Water'. He was a very charming and accommodating gentleman, giving his time freely to light conversation and a picture of us together. Of course I waited until the scene was "in the can"
I believe that you have a reasonable opportunity to spend a short time with a celeb if you select your moment carefully with consideration and present yourself as a normal, well balanced
individual who happens to be a fan. Of course, they are only individuals with egos and feelings afterall and come with all types of personalities and social skills. Sometimes it may be better to stay in your idyllic fantasy world.-COLLAPSE
STAR WATCH
Approaching every celebrity you see is some kind of personality disorder in my view. Celebrity worship is almost a treatable sickness these days necessitating notables to surround themselves with body guards. However, having said that, there are a few personalities that would move me to approach,.. with respect.
Michelle Pfieffer for one. Although I might wait until she had finished...+READ
STAR WATCH
Approaching every celebrity you see is some kind of personality disorder in my view. Celebrity worship is almost a treatable sickness these days necessitating notables to surround themselves with body guards. However, having said that, there are a few personalities that would move me to approach,.. with respect.
Michelle Pfieffer for one. Although I might wait until she had finished her meal which would forgo any possibility of her asking me to join her.
I did ask to meet Academy award nominated director Walter Salles (Central Station, The Motorcycle Diaries) on set when acting as an extra on his film 'Dark Water'. He was a very charming and accommodating gentleman, giving his time freely to light conversation and a picture of us together. Of course I waited until the scene was "in the can"
I believe that you have a reasonable opportunity to spend a short time with a celeb if you select your moment carefully with consideration and present yourself as a normal, well balanced
individual who happens to be a fan. Of course, they are only individuals with egos and feelings afterall and come with all types of personalities and social skills. Sometimes it may be better to stay in your idyllic fantasy world.-COLLAPSE
I admit that I sort of agree with fruglescot. There's a price that comes with fame, and if you're not prepared to deal with it, you probably should avoid celebrityhood at all costs. I know that I personally wouldn't be able to handle it.
At the same time, while I admit that there's a "cool" factor to seeing a celebrity in public, I don't think I'd ever approach them, whether they were eating...+READ
I admit that I sort of agree with fruglescot. There's a price that comes with fame, and if you're not prepared to deal with it, you probably should avoid celebrityhood at all costs. I know that I personally wouldn't be able to handle it.
At the same time, while I admit that there's a "cool" factor to seeing a celebrity in public, I don't think I'd ever approach them, whether they were eating dinner or just standing with me in a building waiting for an elevator. Even though we've elevated them in our minds, they're just human beings and no more important, really, than you or I.-COLLAPSE
Stephen Fry has a good blog post on this subject: http://stephenfry.com/blog/?p=19
I have seen a few stars who I mainly ignored or just smiled at with my normal smile hello greeting like Robin Williams at Nemacolin, Judge Judy who was judging Miss America when my friend was in it or other random people now and again. I normally don't recognize them.
I did wait till after a Anthony Bourdain talk to get my booked autograph and get a picture with him (which he did for us people...+READ
I have seen a few stars who I mainly ignored or just smiled at with my normal smile hello greeting like Robin Williams at Nemacolin, Judge Judy who was judging Miss America when my friend was in it or other random people now and again. I normally don't recognize them.
I did wait till after a Anthony Bourdain talk to get my booked autograph and get a picture with him (which he did for us people who stuck in till like the end of the line which took like an hour). But he is promoting his books and TV shows and they had a..if you want to get your book signed please du du du du du du.-COLLAPSE
CATCH A FALLING STAR
"What's wrong with me" ? "No one wants to take my picture or get my autograph anymore" ! "My career is over"!
NOTE:
It seems to me that most personalities are clamoring for attention these days. It goes with the territory. Public figures give up their private lives for fame and wealth. Why would they expect to have it both ways?
just don't do it.... that's why I say.
Once I saw Linda Ronstadt in the cafeteria of the hospital where I work- she was there with some family because a relative was hospitalized. I would no more have asked her for an autograph than I would have set her hair on fire, especially under the circumstances. And I would actively keep somebody else from doing it, too, even if it wasn't in a hospital. And if they did it anyway I'd do my...+READ
Once I saw Linda Ronstadt in the cafeteria of the hospital where I work- she was there with some family because a relative was hospitalized. I would no more have asked her for an autograph than I would have set her hair on fire, especially under the circumstances. And I would actively keep somebody else from doing it, too, even if it wasn't in a hospital. And if they did it anyway I'd do my damndest to abandon them there. It's just rude to force yourself on a stranger whether they're famous or not.-COLLAPSE
I think genuine celebrities prefer it when you don't give them preferential treatment. A friend and I were playing pool at Tribeca Tavern when James Gandolfini and walked in with a friend of his. There was only one pool table and guess they didn't want to wait around for us to finish so they asked if they could join us. Deep down we were like "Wow! It's Tony Soprano!!" but we just played it cool....+READ
I think genuine celebrities prefer it when you don't give them preferential treatment. A friend and I were playing pool at Tribeca Tavern when James Gandolfini and walked in with a friend of his. There was only one pool table and guess they didn't want to wait around for us to finish so they asked if they could join us. Deep down we were like "Wow! It's Tony Soprano!!" but we just played it cool. Never asked for an autograph or photo and we could tell he appreciated that.-COLLAPSE
Living in La Jolla seeing them and having them as neighbors, I never go up to them..
Waited tables in college at a very exclusive restaurant here in LJ and have seen and waited on hundreds of them and I think there is a right time to ask for an autograph..
Most of the time, the stars are very nice about being interrupted..amazing some of the fans didn't get the hint to move on after they got...+READ
Living in La Jolla seeing them and having them as neighbors, I never go up to them..
Waited tables in college at a very exclusive restaurant here in LJ and have seen and waited on hundreds of them and I think there is a right time to ask for an autograph..
Most of the time, the stars are very nice about being interrupted..amazing some of the fans didn't get the hint to move on after they got their signature..
I am so glad I am not a celebrity!-COLLAPSE
I don't know about you, but I just love it when my expensive meal is interrupted by inarticulate, babbling morons who confuse me with Clark Gable. Imagine their shock when I tell them that both I and Clark Gable have been dead for years.
There are appropriate occasions when approaching a celebrity is OK, but when they are eating is not one of them. Some are good sports about it, others not so much. I have a friend who appears regularly on Broadway and she's occasionally recognized and appreciates it. (it has happened more than once when we lunch together). But when approached in a restaurant, she always asks "did you see the...+READ
There are appropriate occasions when approaching a celebrity is OK, but when they are eating is not one of them. Some are good sports about it, others not so much. I have a friend who appears regularly on Broadway and she's occasionally recognized and appreciates it. (it has happened more than once when we lunch together). But when approached in a restaurant, she always asks "did you see the show?" and if they have not, she tells them they must. She prefers to do her autographing backstage after her performance, but, as she says, fame is fame.-COLLAPSE
STAR IN A CAR
Once upon a time here in Toronto I saw a tinted window limo pull into to a local Tim Horton's Coffee shop. As the door opened I got a quick look inside........................... It was Prince . I smiled at him tongue tied and he stared right through me with those penetrating dark eyes. his assistant was picking up a large box of "TIM BITS" ??
Six of us went to see the play "Love Letters". Afterward, we went for an after theater meal at a local restaurant, and the male star of the show was seated at a nearby table. Rather than going up to him, we asked the waiter for some paper and then wrote how much we enjoyed the show and then we all signed the note. We then asked the waiter to give the note to the gentleman, who then turned and...+READ
Six of us went to see the play "Love Letters". Afterward, we went for an after theater meal at a local restaurant, and the male star of the show was seated at a nearby table. Rather than going up to him, we asked the waiter for some paper and then wrote how much we enjoyed the show and then we all signed the note. We then asked the waiter to give the note to the gentleman, who then turned and acknowledged the note. So instead of asking for his autograph, we gave him ours.-COLLAPSE
I've seen celebrities in the city and on my flights and they're just your normal day to day people. I think its best to leave them alone. The most I've ever done is smile and a quick nod in acknowledgment but for the most part I just walk past by them.
Then only time I ask for an autograph is when, for example, they collide with me, ask to pet my dog, or something of the like.
James Earl Jones turned around and smashed into me at a Will call booth, I asked him for his autograph and told him I loved him in "maetwan".
Shaq asked to pet my dog, as did a few gigly girly celebs. I asked them at the end of the petting.
John Cleese asked my...+READ
Then only time I ask for an autograph is when, for example, they collide with me, ask to pet my dog, or something of the like.
James Earl Jones turned around and smashed into me at a Will call booth, I asked him for his autograph and told him I loved him in "maetwan".
Shaq asked to pet my dog, as did a few gigly girly celebs. I asked them at the end of the petting.
John Cleese asked my why Bulldogs were known as "English Bulldogs". (guess what my dog is). I told him "well, I guess 'cause they're bulldogs and they, you know, come from England." he turned red and I guess felt silly when the whole crowd around him laughed. I did NOT ask him for an autograph.
Pretty much, I ask if they make contact first, which is rarte, but happens now and again in LA<
More interesting is the new celeb "on the town" who you can see really WANTS someone to ask, but is being ignored by Angelinos that have learned otherwise. To see them hopefully sit, and jiggle, and look around with the "HEY! Celebrity here! Ask me for my autograph PLEASE"-COLLAPSE
I'm the kind of person who never recognizes celebrities when I see them. It usually occurs to me hours later why so-and-so looked familiar - and I'm still never sure. I remember once being stopped at a red light and Dustin Hoffman crossed the street in front of the car with a small group of people. My friend in the car with me kept saying, "Look, Dustin Hoffman!" I kept saying, "Where." I didn't...+READ
I'm the kind of person who never recognizes celebrities when I see them. It usually occurs to me hours later why so-and-so looked familiar - and I'm still never sure. I remember once being stopped at a red light and Dustin Hoffman crossed the street in front of the car with a small group of people. My friend in the car with me kept saying, "Look, Dustin Hoffman!" I kept saying, "Where." I didn't figure it otu until he heard his name (I think the window was open) and he glared at us.
I would leave MOST celebrities alone. I really don't care about people just because they're famous (although I can't promise I won't sneak in a few stares). However, how would I react if I met someone I really admired? It would be really tough for me to not ask for a photo or autograph because if I cared enough about someone's work to get the balls to walk up to them, I'd want to record the moment for posterity.-COLLAPSE
I agree that generally it is rude to ask for an autograph (I don't), but there are a few places in L.A. where that may be an exception. What is rude at Pizzeria Mozza may not be rude at the Ivy or Urth Cafe, which seem to be generally accepted free-fire zones.
LA here. Everyone I know pretty much just leaves celebrity alone.
I lived in Hollywood, CA for 17 years and it was quite common to see celebrities of all caliber just about everywhere. Of course I tried to be as casual as I could when seated in a crowded restaurant next to one. However I made it a practice never to ask for an autograph when he or she was in the middle of a meal. I just thought it was rude although I saw lots of other diners doing it. When they...+READ
I lived in Hollywood, CA for 17 years and it was quite common to see celebrities of all caliber just about everywhere. Of course I tried to be as casual as I could when seated in a crowded restaurant next to one. However I made it a practice never to ask for an autograph when he or she was in the middle of a meal. I just thought it was rude although I saw lots of other diners doing it. When they hit the sidewalk however that was another story!-COLLAPSE
I often spot celebrities but I figure it's not cool to approach them. I just glance at them discreetly and try to determine whether that's really Gwyneth with the baby stroller buying corn on the cob at the farmer's market. (I think it was.)
Oh wow digkv, you saw Kanye West? Why that's so amazing how well connected you are.
If I see someone famous I make a point of not recognizing them. In Austin it's common to see prominent people about and most locals don't care one way or the other. What's funny is to see the "Don't you know who I am?" expression when they're treated like everybody else in a service situation as far as not getting preferential treatment. Oh yeah. They may complain about being spotted but they...+READ
If I see someone famous I make a point of not recognizing them. In Austin it's common to see prominent people about and most locals don't care one way or the other. What's funny is to see the "Don't you know who I am?" expression when they're treated like everybody else in a service situation as far as not getting preferential treatment. Oh yeah. They may complain about being spotted but they don't like being part of the herd either. Of course I'm speaking of musicians. I wouldn't know most film stars if you told me who they are.-COLLAPSE
Seriously, how about just leaving them alone?
US culture values "fame" for its own sake. Being famous has become more important than making the world a better place (see, for example, Paris Hilton). Let's leave celebrities alone -- both for their sake, and for our own.
I was having lunch with my sister and her boyfriend not too long ago -- he's written a couple of books and gotten a decent amount of face-time on television. Our food had just arrived when a young woman approached our table and politely asked "Excuse me, but are you Bob Loblaw?" (not his real name, of course). He stood and replied that yes, he was. She then went into a fifteen minute dissertation...+READ
I was having lunch with my sister and her boyfriend not too long ago -- he's written a couple of books and gotten a decent amount of face-time on television. Our food had just arrived when a young woman approached our table and politely asked "Excuse me, but are you Bob Loblaw?" (not his real name, of course). He stood and replied that yes, he was. She then went into a fifteen minute dissertation on one of his books that she'd read a few years before while my sister and I stared at our food getting cold.
I don't think she was wrong to approach, but if you must, please just make a nice comment and move on so that we can get on with our meal. It's pretty rude to hijack a conversation, especially with food cooling on the table.-COLLAPSE
Poor Helena.
Not a column goes by without personal attacks from these cyberspace critics. I always enjoy your pieces however. Don't let them bother you!
Of course, the star's husband, David, is entitled to his opinion. But another celebrity or his/her spouse might give completely different advice because they have a different comfort level with the public.
So, basically you're not supposed to ask for a photo, an autograph, or ask any questions. I'm not the approaching type, but if the only thing that's welcome or tolerated is "I like your work." Why bother? All they can really say is thanks. Also, do you think people really misidentify celebs on purpose? Of course not, so I don't think this needs to be on the list. If you aren't sure who the person...+READ
So, basically you're not supposed to ask for a photo, an autograph, or ask any questions. I'm not the approaching type, but if the only thing that's welcome or tolerated is "I like your work." Why bother? All they can really say is thanks. Also, do you think people really misidentify celebs on purpose? Of course not, so I don't think this needs to be on the list. If you aren't sure who the person is, you're probably not a huge fan, so leave them alone.
I don't think you should interrupt someone who's having a meal. But, if you see someone on the street and want to say hi, say hi. It's part of the business, like when people find out you're a lawyer or doctor and want free advice.-COLLAPSE
Oh wow Helena, you know the husband of a celebrity? Why that's so amazing how well connected you are. I also had no clue who Richard Branson is. I guess this sort of applies to restaurants but it's not really useful for me since I'll probably never see a celeb. The closest thing was seeing Kanye West at the Venetian with his family (he let us take a picture).
Living in NYC, I see celebrities very frequently. I never approach them as I'm sure they're sick of people coming up to them all the time. I figure they just want to get on with their lives.