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If you happen to live in the New York City or Los Angeles area, meeting
celebrities in public may be a non-event. But for the rest of us, the
chance encounter with one of our favorite television stars or other
public figure can leave quite an impression. Our first instinct may be
to ask that person for his or her autograph, or seek a photo
opportunity. We may want to thank them for their hard work and
accomplishments, or occasionally we may want to give them a piece of
our minds. Whatever the reason, most of us would love to meet our
favorite celebrities in a normal setting, such as in a restaurant or
during a vacation.
But, to paraphrase an old saying about the rich, the famous are
not like us- they are different. You must respect their right to
privacy and discretion. Most celebrities will be more than willing to
give you an autograph or pose for a quick snapshot, if you follow the
same rules that would apply to any other stranger you approach. Here
are some rules of etiquette to follow when encountering a favorite
celebrity in public.
1. If they are with their children or family
members, keep your distance. While many celebrities are more than
gracious with their fans, they are extremely protective of their family
members. Many young children with celebrity parents do not fully
realize what Mommy or Daddy does for a living. The idea of total
strangers approaching their parents can easily frighten them. Stars may
also fear stalkers or kidnappers, and are especially guarded around
their own children. You may encounter a very persuasive bodyguard if
you approach any celebrity on vacation with their family. Wait until
the person is alone before approaching them, or wait for them to
acknowledge your presence before getting too close for comfort.
2. Actors and other celebrities should still be addressed as Mr.
or Ms. If you do approach a celebrity, address them as Mister Hanks or
Ms. Roberts, never Tom or Julia. If they give you permission to address
them by their first names, then you may do so, sparingly. Maintain a
very polite and friendly tone, but never assume that you are a close
and personal friend. Overly familiar behavior can cause a celebrity to
become nervous and guarded. If you encounter a celebrity while
performing your job, you should be especially sure to refer to them by
the proper address.
3. Actors in public are not their characters. Never call an
actor by their character's name- that is considered bad form
universally. Don't ask them to repeat a popular catchphrase or
well-known dialogue. You're not the first one to approach Leonard Nimoy
with a Vulcan salute or ask Jerry Seinfeld to say 'Yada, Yada, Yada.'
Actors are much more likely to respond to a thoughtful comment on their
work or congratulations on an award. The worst thing you can do is
berate an actor for their character's actions. Some actors live in fear
that an angry fan will attack them for something their character may
have done. Separate the actor from the role before approaching them.
4. If the occasion is very informal, relax and enjoy the
company. Celebrities lead very complicated lives while 'on the job', so
vacations are taken very seriously. Many famous people look forward to
the opportunity to quit being famous for a short time. If you are
fortunate enough to meet a celebrity on vacation, keep the atmosphere
light and friendly. Discuss the beautiful weather or that fabulous
restaurant in town. Suggest places to see or just grab a few drinks and
relax. Don't get caught up in documenting the entire experience- live
in the moment with your new friend who happens to live in California.
You'll have plenty of time to tell all your friends back home who you
met on vacation.
5. If you encounter a celebrity while on the job, remember your
job. Famous people rely on discretion when spending time in public. If
you work at the front desk of the hotel they are staying in, maintain
your professional bearing. Never reveal their presence or their room
numbers to anyone who does not strictly need to know. The same holds
true for the wait staff at a restaurant or the workers at the airport.
Being a member of the staff may allow you more access to famous people,
but this does not entitle you to violate their privacy. You may still
approach them for an autograph or picture, but use even more discretion
while performing your duties. Celebrities tend to remember those who
provide the best service without compromising their privacy. That is
the list you'll want to be on.
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