I've been very lucky to meet a number of celebrities through my work. I've performed onstage with many famous (in their day) country artists, including some folks from HeeHaw, Waylon Jennings, James House, Suzy Baugus, Little Texas and many others.
Outside of performing, I got to hang out for a few minutes with James Taylor and the sax player on his tour, Lou Marini ("Blue Lou" from The Blues Brothers) and to meet and correspond with Stevie Wonder. I have also met, but not really talked with Wierd Al and Werner Klemperer (Colonel Klink from "Hogan's Heroes.")
Celebrities are as varied as we all are. Some are extroverted and friendly, others are almost agoraphobic. It often has less to do with fame than with the people they've always been. Also, I have learned that the celebrities with the most success are often the most welcoming to fans. It's the young upstarts who have had recent success but not a lot of it, that are often jerks.
One of my brothers has managed tours for everyone from Lynard Skynard to George Strait. He often talks about what jerks some acts are, and how great others can be.
Another brother has driven limousine for numerous celebrities, including Janet Jackson, Barry Manilow, Bob Hope, Dokken, Metallica, Van Halen, Stevie Wonder...
Here's what I've learned from my brothers and from my own interactions with celebrities:
So you want to talk to a celebrity? Here are a few hints:
1. Always be mindful of what the celebrity is doing. Nobody really wants to be interrupted during dinner by a long conversation. Like most of us, they prefer fresh hot food over cold stale food. If you want to speak to a celeb while they're dining, wait until their plates have been cleared away.
Be a little circumspect. In the Dennis Franz example above, the fans imposed upon him while he was out shopping with his family. While he was gracious, IMO he sure didn't have to be.
2. Always ask if it's okay to talk for a second. Don't interrupt conversations or get within a few feet of the person without asking first.
Sometimes, it's preferrable to simply say, "Hello Ms. Celebrity. I'm a fan, really like your work. Have a nice day..." and end it there.
3. Using "mr." or "ms." is preferred to just calling someone by their first name, even though their first name may be famous. Show respect. When Lou Marini introduced my wife and me to James Taylor, I waited for his permission to call him "James," rather than "Mr. Taylor." Eventually he gave my wife a big bear hug (he's a big guy) and shook my hand warmly. Initially though, we kept it formal.
4. You want an autograph? Have your own damn pen and paper ready; don't expect the celeb to pull out stationery. BTW, unique writing surfaces might be fun but aren't often practical without the right pen. If you want the celebrity to sign a record or anything with a slick surface, a Sharpie will do the trick better than a ballpoint.
5. Don't be angry if the celeb is too busy to talk to you. Like you, they have a right to conduct their business and social interactions without being bothered. Just because you're a fan *does not mean that they "owe" you.* Yes, it may be your only chance to meet someone famous, but if you get pushy, you're not being fair to that celebrity.
6. *NEVER* take a celebrity's photograph or video without express permission. You're not a papparazzo, you're a fan. Ask before you point and shoot.
7. If you remember that every celebrity you encounter is a human being, the first six rules will come to you naturally.
Outside of performing, I got to hang out for a few minutes with James Taylor and the sax player on his tour, Lou Marini ("Blue Lou" from The Blues Brothers) and to meet and correspond with Stevie Wonder. I have also met, but not really talked with Wierd Al and Werner Klemperer (Colonel Klink from "Hogan's Heroes.")
Celebrities are as varied as we all are. Some are extroverted and friendly, others are almost agoraphobic. It often has less to do with fame than with the people they've always been. Also, I have learned that the celebrities with the most success are often the most welcoming to fans. It's the young upstarts who have had recent success but not a lot of it, that are often jerks.
One of my brothers has managed tours for everyone from Lynard Skynard to George Strait. He often talks about what jerks some acts are, and how great others can be.
Another brother has driven limousine for numerous celebrities, including Janet Jackson, Barry Manilow, Bob Hope, Dokken, Metallica, Van Halen, Stevie Wonder...
Here's what I've learned from my brothers and from my own interactions with celebrities:
So you want to talk to a celebrity? Here are a few hints:
1. Always be mindful of what the celebrity is doing. Nobody really wants to be interrupted during dinner by a long conversation. Like most of us, they prefer fresh hot food over cold stale food. If you want to speak to a celeb while they're dining, wait until their plates have been cleared away.
Be a little circumspect. In the Dennis Franz example above, the fans imposed upon him while he was out shopping with his family. While he was gracious, IMO he sure didn't have to be.
2. Always ask if it's okay to talk for a second. Don't interrupt conversations or get within a few feet of the person without asking first.
Sometimes, it's preferrable to simply say, "Hello Ms. Celebrity. I'm a fan, really like your work. Have a nice day..." and end it there.
3. Using "mr." or "ms." is preferred to just calling someone by their first name, even though their first name may be famous. Show respect. When Lou Marini introduced my wife and me to James Taylor, I waited for his permission to call him "James," rather than "Mr. Taylor." Eventually he gave my wife a big bear hug (he's a big guy) and shook my hand warmly. Initially though, we kept it formal.
4. You want an autograph? Have your own damn pen and paper ready; don't expect the celeb to pull out stationery. BTW, unique writing surfaces might be fun but aren't often practical without the right pen. If you want the celebrity to sign a record or anything with a slick surface, a Sharpie will do the trick better than a ballpoint.
5. Don't be angry if the celeb is too busy to talk to you. Like you, they have a right to conduct their business and social interactions without being bothered. Just because you're a fan *does not mean that they "owe" you.* Yes, it may be your only chance to meet someone famous, but if you get pushy, you're not being fair to that celebrity.
6. *NEVER* take a celebrity's photograph or video without express permission. You're not a papparazzo, you're a fan. Ask before you point and shoot.
7. If you remember that every celebrity you encounter is a human being, the first six rules will come to you naturally.
