What To Do When You Meet A Movie Star
August 6th 2009 06:16
A friend of mine was recently walking down Collins Street when she saw Bill Hunter coming towards her. She watched him approach with mild curiosity, having grown up watching him on the big screen. As he came closer she began to wonder what the appropriate reaction was to strolling past Muriel’s dad while on her lunch break. It seemed rude to ignore him. On the other hand, greeting him would be a mite strange given that their acquaintance was hitherto one-sided.
In the end, they passed by each other with several uncomfortable seconds of awkward eye contact. She was still peering at him uncertainly, trying to ascertain the etiquette of the situation. He was eyeing her warily, in response to her uncertain peering.
Bothered by the lack of protocol, she told me the story and asked me to address the issue of what to do. Should she see Hugo Weaving the following week at Federation Square, she would very much like to be prepared.
Unfortunately, seeing Gary Sweet while wearing tracksuit pants on Burke Street was about the extent of my experience, so I did not feel I was in position to advise.
So I am throwing this one to you – have you met someone famous, and if so, how did you react?
Michaelie Clark
In the end, they passed by each other with several uncomfortable seconds of awkward eye contact. She was still peering at him uncertainly, trying to ascertain the etiquette of the situation. He was eyeing her warily, in response to her uncertain peering.
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Bothered by the lack of protocol, she told me the story and asked me to address the issue of what to do. Should she see Hugo Weaving the following week at Federation Square, she would very much like to be prepared.
Unfortunately, seeing Gary Sweet while wearing tracksuit pants on Burke Street was about the extent of my experience, so I did not feel I was in position to advise.
So I am throwing this one to you – have you met someone famous, and if so, how did you react?
Michaelie Clark
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Comment by The wonderful Peter Yang
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THe second thing I will say "How much money can I make by selling something you sign on ebay."
THe third thing I said is "Is it Ok for me to go buy something for you to sign, so I can sell it for a high price on ebay?"
Comment by The wonderful Peter Yang
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Apperently they don't get along with each other very well.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I can't imagine anyone liking Nikki Webster...
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Michaelie
Comment by Morgan Bell
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Comment by Michaelie
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Yeah, it's much clearer then, though I would still be worried that they want time out from being recognised and having to be their famous selves and just be normal.
You still get that feeling on the street though, that you should greet them, because you know them, before you remember they have no idea who you are!
Thanks for dropping by Morgan
Michaelie
Comment by Morgan Bell
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Comment by Kleonaptra
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Comment by Mr Nice Guy
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Long time no see . . . no doubt my tardiness.
I'll make this little anecdote a short as possible.
I've had my fair share of chance meetings and been fortunate enough to have few which even rate bragging rights - but one of my groomsmen is Mick Jagger's 2nd cousin - yep that's right. Anyway - when the Stones were last in Australia - my mate, his wife and two boys were asked to have dinner prior to the concert with Mick and the band - intimate affair - just the Stones and the four of them (a thankyou really for picking Mick and Charlie Watts up and taking them to a family do).
Anyway - most of us would probably like to brag about the fact we'd had dinner with the Rolling Stones - but what did Master 14 and Master 11 tell their mates the next day . . . .?
Dinner with the Stones? Nup!
The fact they bumped into Garry Sweet at the Men's urinal and that they saw one of the Daddo boys vomit on the way out of the concert.
Priceless!
Comment by Lara M
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I doubt I'm any good at celebrity spotting...
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Priceless anecdote indeed, MNG
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I think you have to read their facial expression and body language. Maybe your friend could have asked for an autograph, or just said hello in passing.
Comment by Amy Wang
Films, Films And More FIlms
I think if they're famous, the should embrace ALL aspects of their job...
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Seriously though, the more you treat them as normal human beings the happier they seem....unless there attention craving wannabes in which case who wants to chat to them anyway? Not the kind I tend to be a fan of anyway.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Know what you mean - if I saw Richard Armitage I would want to wow him, leave a lasting (good) impression.
In reality, would probably just stare at him and squeak something expected like: I'm such a fan RIchard Armitage, I love you Richard Armitage, take me away and I'll give you a hundred babies Richard Armitage.
So Plan B - become more famous than him so that he's in awe with me, begging to bear my offspring.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Has been a while, to be sure.
Great tale, glad there are others who rate seeing Gary Sweet, even over the Stones!
Thanks!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
You're no help at all! You don't even know a star when you see one!
Actually, you'd probably fare better than most, because you would talk to them with genuine casualness, without the mad fan undertone!
Thanks for dropping by!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Just smile - good advice, methinks. As long as you can restrain the fanatical lunatic within, depending on who it is you're grinning at.
I'm definitely a fan of yours - look left.
Cheers!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Thanks for the comment
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
If I was walking down the street and saw Russell Crowe, I think I'd just keep on walking!
I think the Aussie stars are pretty lucky, don't get mobbed too much. Would be pretty ordinary being the Hollywood kind of star, but then, they get plenty out of it too, that kind of fame goes two ways.
Thank ya, Amy!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Pounce indeed
Yes, logic tells me playing cool is the best approach. Alas, cool is the last thing I would appear if I met some of my idols. More like hot and bothered I'm afraid.
Thanks JD!
Michaelie
Comment by Mountain Fog
Well, I've met, worked with and known far too many to be either that impressed, or otherwise.
However, I have observed the following;
it does depend on the star rating and nationality; for instance; Aussie stars are usually fine about someone acknowledging them, and one other rule, the smaller the star power, the more they like to be noticed.
But, one DON'T is, do not hold them up for long, a quick "hello, loved you in whatever" and keep moving, that will make them smile.
The bigger the international star, the more harrassed they are by paparazzi, so they would much prefer to meld into the background, wear dark glasses, and not be bothered when dining at a restaurant. It is a pity, but the paprazzi have ruined a once amicable relationship between international stars and their adoring public. however, among them there is still many who will politely acknowledge your salute, just don't ask for several autographs (that is ruined too, as they get sold online by quasi-professional hunters) and photos.
...I've gone on too long about this twaddle, sorry..
By the way, I was at NIDA the same time as Hugo! I feel that I can safely vouch for him in this respect, that he will always be a charming gentleman, so give him a big grin, call out how much you love his work...and keep walking!
cheers Michaelie...
oh...and maybe...one boring self indulgent day, I should write about some of the bods I have known and worked with...one day....
fog
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Wise advice, methinks, curb the gushing admiration and play it cool.
You should definitely write about your experiences with famous people! It would be really interesting and no doubt insightful, coming from you!
Thanks amigo : )
Michaelie
Comment by Mountain Fog
actually, gush all you want, they love gushing, afterall, it's the business of adulation that they are in, but, all I was trying to get across is, gush, but don't flood too much!! oh, and not while they are eating...hehe
cheers
fog