WEEK THIRTEEN OF FRIENDS OF FRIDAY FORUM
[Due to editor being on vacation & other commitments, FOFF missed a few weeks, but we’re back in full swing now. Yeah baby … we’re ready to rock & roll!]
On the Edge of Fame - by Patricia Catchouny
I have spent the past few years on the edge of fame, and to be perfectly honest, I'm not sure I could take being a celebrity. Let me start by stating that I've had my fair share of time in the sun. I've had relationships of varying degrees with several actors (including one who starred on a national sitcom), have performed from about the time I could walk and can be 'Googled'. I am on local radio now and then, I sometimes get recognized in local stores and have even signed an autograph or two, but it amazes me how much personal life is given up when one is a widely recognized celebrity.
Over twenty years ago, I spent time around Broadway. At that time, Broadway actors were the poor relations of TV and movies - if people recognized an actor, there was usually a smile or a polite 'I enjoy your work'. I did see the beginnings of darkness though - several actors were followed after they left the theatre, and one performer actually needed a bodyguard after threats were made against him. TV and movie actors have it even worse. I am a big soap fan - except for the 'superstars' (Tony Geary, Susan Lucci), actors used to make personal appearances at malls to small but enthusiastic fan groups, then do meet and greets for autographs and photos.
In contrast, four years ago I was at a 'General Hospital' event and worked on an event attended by Maurice Benard (Sonny). The high pitched screams that came toward us when he entered the room were louder than a jet airplane and probably startled dogs for miles around. Don't get me wrong - I think he is quite talented and an incredible person. I just don't get the whole shrieking thing. And maybe it's just me, but I think there is a serious problem when fans have to be reminded not to follow actors to the restrooms! I discussed this with an actor once, asking what the fans were like. He said there are generally three types of fan:
1. Those who have no concept of your real name and address you in character, wanting to know storyline issues and why you did this to that person.
2. Those who know too much about you. Your real name, the names of your spouse, children, parents, home town, high school and where you shop for groceries.
3. Those who know who you are, what else you've done, and can talk intelligently about things other than your career without seeming to interview you for a tell-all (this is a very small group).
So by all means, if you meet an actor, musician or other celebrity you admire, let them know. Approach them in a non-threaten way (how would YOU feel if someone you didn't know grabbed, groped or otherwise attacked you?), ask for the photo/autograph/moment of their time in a respectful way and choose your opportunities carefully - remember, an autograph on toilet paper generally won't last!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK … Those who stand for nothing fall for anything. Alexander Hamilton
Hello to all Friday Friends. It’s been a few weeks since I have posted anything here. I think the last time I posted about my doing a petition for my small town to get high speed internet, well the update for those interested is that I was still in the process of gathering signatures and I had the 2 companies here that do offer us internet services call and ask for a copy of my petition. There are so many details here that I won’t go into, but to make it short and sweet, I ended the petition earlier than I planned, so I gathered 296 signatures in total and the petitions have now been delivered to Charter, Centurytel and M33Access. There is now a war going on in my small town between Centurytel and M33access to get DSL and Wireless to us small town folk. M33 [the underdog] is trying to beat Centurytel and Centurytel is doing everything in their big corporate power to delay M33 until after they are done! So the moral of this is I WILL HAVE DSL BY NOVEMBER 1ST!!!!
BUTTTT.....the Main thing on my plate this week is PEARL JAM AND THE VOTE FOR CHANGE CONCERTS. A week away and I am so happy I could just piss myself. Josee is flying in to Michigan on Wednesday and we will be hanging in my small town for 2 days then OFF WE GOES to Toledo then Grand Rapids. We also got some good news that our friend Melissa from Arkansas JUST MIGHT be needing to be picked up at Detroit Metro to go with us, this would be a little bit too cool, and the only thing missing is Char & Michelle :( ! But I'm holding out hope for that meet-up on the next tour! I also wanted to say in closing, Michelle congrats on your new job and I hope your move goes well!!! PEACE TO ALL! Kim [Michigan]
