RHYS BOWEN: It's Sunday and I'm in contemplative mood, wondering about FAME. What a strange thing fame is, isn't it? The way we humans idolize another human simply because THEY ARE FAMOUS.
Look at the Kardashians. They have no achievements, they have not painted the Mona Lisa, or written Great Expectations or won the world figure skating championship and yet they have a TV show that has been running for years and people watch it BECAUSE THEY ARE FAMOUS. If they wear certain clothes people rush out to copy. Why, for goodness sake?
When did the cult of fame begin? Certainly before Roman times. Gladiators were idolized by women, but at least it was for their skills as much as their beauty. I suppose fame started when a warrior protected the tribe from invaders and he was big and strong and handsome too. Look at Saul in the Bible. He had that kind of fame. But God chose David, the opposite, young, frail, a nobody.
Fame today is incomprehensible to me. Donald Trump was elected simply because he was a reality TV tar. He was famous.
And yet the concept of idolizing the famous must be somewhere in our psyche. When I was in my early teens we heard that Joan Crawford was coming to London for a film festival. Joan Crawford! A real movie star! My best friend and I took the train up to London and lined up for hours on the sidewalk, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. She arrived, got out of her limo. She was this old woman with so much orange makeup she looked like a pumpkin. A bright shiny orange face. Bright orange unnaturally colored hair and eyelashes a mile long. Hideous, absolutely hideous. And yet our hearts beat faster. We pushed forward and got her autograph. Joan Crawford's autograph. We were in heaven. Why? Because she was famous.
\As writers we have our own small share of fame. I remember one convention when a woman was brought to meet me. Her companion said the woman was too shy to approach me alone. I turned, smiled and said hello and the woman burst into tears with emotion. It was horribly embarrassing for me and also mind blowing that anyone should be so overawed by me!
My most famous writer friends are all so incredibly friendly, the opposite of stuck-up and some are quite shy. This fame thing is hard to take for them. At least we writers are not recognizable outside our little sphere. I love going to conventions and meeting fans but it can be overwhelming. I remember standing in the line in the women's bathroom, waiting, rather desperately, to pee. And a voice down the line said, "Oh, is that Rhys Bowen?" And the whole line peered at me, trying not to dance up and down!
At another convention I was trying to have a meal with my good friend Louise Penny. We were stopped at every bite by someone wanting to take a selfie with us. I would hate to be Tom Hanks or another really recognizable star. Imagine every time you sat down in a restaurant to enjoy a meal there would be whispers and stares from all over the restaurant.
I have had enough reality checks to keep me humble. Recently a woman stopped me and said, excitedly, " I think I might know you." This has happened before, so I smiled, and said "Oh yes? Do you read mystery novels?" She looked confused and said, "No, weren't you working at the hairdresser when I lived over in Scottsdale?"
I remain humble and loveable,
Rhys
It would seem to me that recognition of true achievement should be the reason for fame . . . .
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. Honor the achievement not the person
DeleteI have never, ever watched The Kardashians. Or, for that matter, The Apprentice. I don't get the fame thing either - meaning fame for just being out there and famous. I get fame for actors, artists, musicians, authors, dancers, who have actually accomplished something. But fame for either dressing expensively, having a gimmick or being someone's partner or spouse? Nope. A big deal for me was a few years in Sacramento when I was able to hear a panel by Rhys Bowen, Terry Shames, Catriona McPherson, and Cara Black - now, those autographs (autographed books) meant something!
ReplyDeleteI remember that panel. We had fun driving there and back!
DeleteThat was a few years ago. (Elizabeth)
ReplyDelete"No, weren't you working at the hairdresser when I lived over in Scottsdale?" This made me laugh out loud. Thank you, Rhys!
ReplyDeleteIn my younger days I worked for some time on research for a biography of an early Hollywood star. As I read diaries and letters and interviewed aged FP (Famous People), FFP (Formerly Famous People), and FAP (Famous-Adjacent People) I came to the unoriginal conclusion that fame is a corrosive force that damages every life it touches. Or perhaps I should say: with the potential to damage. Like fentanyl. (Selden)
Potential to damage. That’s true. Makes relationships harder, I’ve noticed. How many movie star marriages actually make it?
DeleteI am following up on Selden's comment. It's Sunday so here is the Zen thoughts on fame:
ReplyDeleteFrom a Zen perspective, fame is generally viewed as an illusion and attachment to it is considered harmful, as it is seen as an empty pursuit that can lead to ego inflation and suffering; the focus is instead on cultivating inner peace and wisdom, not external recognition or status, meaning one should not actively seek fame and should not let it define their self-worth if it comes their way. (Not my words, my pal the AI bot said it better). But.. for me, when I was much younger I wanted a. to live forever b. to be the best c. to be 'famous'. Of course, this didn't happen. Like Rhys said, later I came to see fame as transitory, or worse how about being famous for something you regret? Like Monica Lewinsky? At the tender age of 79, I am very glad that I can pee in private. Thanks Rhys for sharing Sunday musings.
Well said!
DeleteI'm sure you would be a stellar hairdresser, Rhys! I agree, all the famous authors I have met are unfailingly gracious and genuine, all the Reds included.
ReplyDeleteLike Elizabeth, I have never watched the Kardashians or the Apprentice. That kind of fame seems stupid and wasteful.
Friday I was half an hour away checking in for an MRI. I gave the woman my name and she said, "Are you the author?" I said yes, surprised, but then she said she lives in Amesbury. We had a nice chat and I gave her a bookmark. It's fun to have a very modest fame locally.
Also, speaking of Louise, I was so pleased to see her withdraw from her upcoming Kennedy Center appearance and her clear statement of why. She said it was going to be the pinnacle of her career but canceling was more important. Good for her.
DeleteMay I ask
DeleteEdith, who withdrew from the Kennedy center? And I hope your MRI goes well. Hope everything is okay.
DeleteLouise Penny did. Thanks. The MRI was of my foot - awaiting the report.
DeleteI was so proud of her for vocalling saying why. Although I hope many more will voice their opinions, I doubt that it will make a difference to those in power. It is a start.
DeleteIt didn’t surprise me of Louise, she has such beautiful values.
DeleteIve enjoyed these little moments of recognition but I wouldn’t want it all the time. And yes, very proud of Louise. She is one who handles fame so well
DeleteI’ve never watched the Kardashians and don’t know or care what they wear on their plastic botoxed bodies.
ReplyDeleteI just started going to author events in the past few years and I am tongue-tied every time. They have always been very gracious.
Rhys, who are the Karshdashians ? I remember a story about a young child asking one of the Karshdashians “why are you famous”? And the young Karshdashian said she did not know why. The only reality tv show I would watch is the great british bake off.,
ReplyDeleteThere was an interview with Anthony Andrews, an actor from Danger UXB and Birdeshead Revisited. He was surprised when he was living in Los Angeles because fans would approach him. He said that in England, people did not approach him asking for autographs. I wonder if “fame” is different in England ?
It is. On the whole the Brits are not star struck , apart from rock and pop stars , teenage idols.
DeleteJust remembered a perfect example of Americans being starstruck. In my twenties, which seems like another lifetime ago, I worked for this guy (not movie star though in politics) and so many of my contemporaries were very starstruck that they pushed others to get close to him. It was embarrassing. I left right away and I explained that I did not appreciate being pushed. My boss and colleagues understood. As I get older, I notice that I am not as starstruck as I was in my youth. People are people.
DeleteAnother non-fame person here and been this way a long time. Could never figure out why so many of the girls in 5th grade swooned over Elvis (Elvis who? I actually asked out loud) and The Beatles who? why? Also asked out loud. And so on and so on. Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteDiana, I think it is. If you search for an American actor you can find all sorts of information about them, a lot of it intrusive. But it's different for the British actors. They get to maintain more of their privacy, it seems. Maybe because the UK is a fraction of the size of the US, and the much smaller pool of acting professionals means they work a lot? I've wondered about that.
ReplyDeleteRhys, I was always stunned when someone asked me to autograph one of my books. Moi? I met the recently deceased singer Jack Jones when I was a teenager. A friend found out he was staying at our hotel, and she tracked him down (future stalker skills!), and dragged me along with her. I'd never heard of him, so after he gave her his autograph he asked me, and I said no, thank you. He scrawled one on a torn envelope and thrust it at me anyway. I still feel bad about it, from every angle.
As for fame, it is interesting to observe how different people react to it, in public. Trying desperately NOT to end up orange and scary like Joan Crawford, and then ending up scary in a different way altogether. For example, Mickey O'Rourke's downward spiral with facial surgery, or when America's ingenue, Meg Ryan, had seriously disfiguring work done to correct lines around her mouth that instead of making her look like she was staying young, pretty much ended her career for a long time. Versus Judi Dench and Helen Mirren, both aging gracefully in full view, with nonstop careers.
Maggie Smith was annoyed that Downton and Harry Potter made her instantly recognizable
DeleteKaren in Ohio and Rhys , if I ever decide to become a professional actress, I would rather live in England, not the USA for these reasons. I agree that they seem to maintain more privacy in Britain than in the States.
DeleteI remember as a kid, several of my sister’s friends would go home after school and drool, and semi-faint over pictures of people in fan magazines. I never got it – just weird and a waste of time. Times have not changed and even though a lot of people in my family are driveling simpering idiots when someone important comes by – still don’t get it. You remember my story of Beryl Markham, story that is told over and over, and over – don’t get it.
ReplyDeleteMy idea of meeting someone famous (even youse-guys) would be to invite you to dinner. There was a CBC morning host named Peter Gzoski, who I respected so much for his ease behind the mike and his ability to make small talk. I would wonder what it would be like to have a dinner with him, and many others – what a conversation that would be! Similarly, to go some Sunday morning to the Bistro in Three Pines, and peruse last week’s travel articles, and be with the interactions amongst the characters – and Rosie.
All I can say, is that rich and famous or not, my way to meet you would be over a meal - whether it is hot dogs or roast beef. Come and set a spell, you don’t need a date. Invitation is always open. Dress optional.
Oh, and here is a story on fame. We lived just down the road from Bill & Bruce. Jack was rebuilding their old school into a B&B. We often dropped in for a beer, and chit chat, compared and shared gardens, and even stayed there several times – we needed a bed and at that time we had sold/given them a lot of our furniture so we didn’t have to move it. Both were famous for their pipe organ recitals. Bruce played for the Queen Mother for a season. Another neighbour gushed when she found out we were good friends – after all they were famous. To us they were friends. No gushing required.
No gushing required! Absolutely. I’m sure famous people like it that way unless they have thin skin and tiny egos
DeleteI did not know that Louise Penny had done that so I had to research it. Happy to hear that she is not the only person to pull out from appearing there. I keep expecting that the Center will be renamed and then that will be the end of it. So unfortunate for all of us.
ReplyDeleteStay humble and loveable, Rhys! Fame Kardashian-style repulses me. Just like being famous because you have lots and lots of money--no names! The only time I was over-awed by a person's fame was when I had a chance to meet the poet William Stafford and tell him how much I loved his work. Another very humble, good person.
ReplyDeleteA long story apropos to hockey, fame, and the game on Friday.
ReplyDeleteIn the middle ‘60’s, when we only had one tv channel – the CBC, Friday night was hockey Night in Canada. For some reason the games were usually broadcast from the Montreal feed rather than the Toronto feed, so Montreal was the team that we got to watch. For that reason, we knew the names of a lot of the Montreal players even though we may not have liked them. Henri Richard (spit), Jacques Plante (spit), Guy Lafleur (spit) and Jean Beliveau (spit) were all household names. They would occasionally play against as much as any team our beloved Toronto Maple Leafs. Davey Keon, Tim Horton, Frank Mahovlich (a favourite) and the best of all – Johnny Bower! In our household there was no goalie like Johnny Bower. Even Jacques Plante with his new face masks could not excel Bower. There were other players who generated respect or disgust. Stan Mikita was a favourite as was Gordie Howe even if he played on the wrong team. Bobbie Hull was liked and feared – he could manipulate that puck. Ken Dryden was a favourite goalie, probably because as well as being an excellent player, he had all his teeth!
Over these years until 1967, Montreal won most of the Stanley Cups. Then in 1967 in a double overtime game Toronto won. The house (the next morning) went wild. Johnny Bower was a hero! The dreaded Canadiens were defeated. I went off to university and hockey as little of it as I watched was finished.
I was not much of an athlete, but in my first year at King’s I joined the field hockey team. I loved the running, the stick handling – field hockey uses a short stick called a club and you are only allowed to use one side of it – the rules, and the unfortunate fact that we never won a game in three years. I did score one goal on a soggy field in the pouring rain in one game, but on examination by the ref, someone from our team was offside, so our goal of the season (and three years) did not count.
Long story – part 2
ReplyDeleteIn 1968, I spent most of the summer in Halifax taking an extra Physics class. It meant that I was there when Halifax hosted the first Canada Games. It was a beautiful summer, lovely and sunny and hot. The city was filled with people watching the various events. I enjoyed the opening show (price $1.50) and on another day decided to take in one of the field hockey games which cost $1 for all day. Nobody was really interested in them so the crowd was not huge. I had a seat on the near top of one of the bleachers to a) get a better view of the field, and more importantly b) get a better tan. The game was quite boring, but the tan was going well.
A well-dressed man sat down beside me – empty bleachers from here until forever and he sits beside me. He started up a mundane conversation – hello, how are you, nice day – that kind of thing. I replied in kind. He asked did I like field hockey and I replied that I did, and that I played it in university. He said he knew a bit about hockey and asked if I could explain a bit about the intricacies of the game underway to him, which I did. We enjoyed the afternoon, we enjoyed the sun, we enjoyed the game.
He said he needed to go, and thank you for the information and the conversation. He asked if I knew who he was. Nope, not a clue, so I said no. He said he was Jean Beliveau (most famous player on the Montreal team) and did I want him to sign something. Spit, spit, spit – a Canadien! So, I said I would love him too, but of course I had no paper, pencil, anything, so he signed the ticket stub. Being polite, I said thank you and wished him a good day.
In hindsight, he was the most charming and polite and lovely person you would ever want to meet. I have held him in high revere ever since.
A few years ago, in cleaning out a trunk, I found a scrapbook of my years at university. It included the memorabilia from my day at the Canada Games. It included the ticket stub with the neat and polished name of a neat and polished man.
I still don’t care who wins at hockey.
Great story Margo!
DeleteMargo, I am familiar with some of the players you have mentioned. I love your story about a down-to-earth conversation with the famous goalie and am so glad you accepted his signature once you knew he was a dreaded Montreal Canadian. We still mourn the loss of our beloved NHL team to a city that never gets cold enough for ice.
DeleteThat is a wonderful story!
DeleteMargo I just sent your story to my son who is somewhat of a hockey nut/fan/expert. He loves all the teams and the players. This is what he said:
DeleteI've never heard a bad word about Mr. Belliveau. When he passed away everyone said what a true gentleman he always was. A true class act in whatever he did.
I had heard about the Kardashians but it’s the first time I see a picture of them. It doesn’t impress me. What unnatural postures and fake bodies.
ReplyDeleteAs a passionate reader, I’m a fan of many authors but what they write and what they are as humans is more important to me than to know if they are famous.
When my daughter was a toddler, I used to go to a wonderful little children's shop in La Jolla, CA called Shannon & Company. I later learned that her husband's last name was Kardashian. Yes, she is the mother of the Kardashian clan! Or actually I think grandmother. Ms. Shannon was very sweet and a joy to chat with during the times I shopped in her store.
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings about performers cancelling at the Kennedy Center. It is what Trump wants - which is no group or people who oppose his beliefs so if people who are scheduled who have voices we need to hear they are now silenced.
As an ordinary person and a fan of many extraordinary people, I feel that I have a responsibility to be careful and polite when approaching the famous. In my voluntary jobs, I have had the pleasure of meeting many political office holders, both past and present, from Connecticut and nationally. Most of the time, the encounters were arranged and they knew exactly who would be in the meeting. But occasionally, I would encounter one in the wild (the gym, the grocery store, the state capitol, a non political event), and being recognized by them would be incredible for my self esteem.
ReplyDeleteWhen I attended Crime Bake, I knew I would be meeting many of my favorite authors in person. I do have a tendency to gush, I also have a tendency to become too familiar too fast. I had to remind myself that they came, not only to meet fans, but to reconnect with other authors and long-time friends. Once again, I have to thank Edith (whose books I read and love) for making me feel like an old friend and including me at every table for every meal. I am not shy, but her friendship that weekend was above and beyond, especially since Karen, who was going to help me through, got the flu and spent much time in her room. Every author was genuinely happy to meet fans and to make new ones. Bonus, I did get to meet my favorites and pal around with them, too. I confess, Rhys, that if we met in person, I would be a little starstruck like I have been meeting Lucy, Hank, Debs and Jenn.
I hope we meet one day, Judy!
DeleteIt was so terrific to meet you in person--because of course we already felt we knew you!
DeleteJudy, it was so fun to get to know you and make sure you didn't feel like a lonely non-writer! Hope we can repeat it one year, but this time with a healthy Karen.
DeleteI think the fame that the Kardashians have made for themselves comes from a kind of genius and fortunate timing. It's anything but "unearned."
ReplyDeleteLook them up and their TV show, "Keeping Up With..." them is credited as the first "reality tv."
But they weren't first. Remember the Loud family? Of course you don't remember them. They were the subject of what's credited as the first "reality tv show". They were all too "average" and all too real. The Karadashians have created a very different aura about themselves (disclaimer: I've never watched even one episode of "Keeping up with...") And when I read about them I hear that song from Cabaret, "Money money money money...." That and a genius for marketing and publicity. It's talent, not lack of it.
Very interesting perspective and one that I share. They are marketing and PR experts..
DeleteHallie, I remember watching something about “highlights of the decade” on TV and I saw clips from the documentary about the Loud family. My dad was translating the dialogue for me. And as I recall, my dad mentioned the parents got mad at their teenage son because he had long hair and would not cut it. Something like that. Around that time I would read People magazine and they often had stories about Non famous people. Do they still do that or do they focus on celebrities ?
DeleteWe watched a couple episodes of the Loud family show, which literally followed the family members around their home as they went about their lives.
DeleteI also think that was mostly reality. By the time the K Klan came along their every move was scripted to present a certain kind of "reality", which was actually completely fabricated.
Diana, yes, People magazine still has stories about non-celebrities. And to further flesh out the Loud Family’s story, while they were being filmed, the (probably same long-haired son) came out as gay to his parents on film and the parents ended up splitting up, again on film. Both of those things most likely would have happened without cameras present, but it was all the more (fill in your own adjective: sad, salacious, intrusive, poignant, etc.) because it was being filmed. And it was also real, which I doubt one minute of the hours and hours of the Kardashians has ever been. — Pat S
DeleteThanks, Karen, for saying the same thing I did, four minutes earlier! I took too long to get my thoughts together or we’d have posted at the same time! — Pat S
DeleteI remember the Loud family, although I never watched the program. I felt sorry for the kids. They had no privacy. I would never want to be famous; I don’t want people knowing every detail of my life.
DeleteDebRo
Never watched the Kardashians or The Apprentice (shuddering at the thought), In high school, I was a huge John Denver fan. We got his autograph after one concert and were delighted. The next year, we hung out at the hotel where we thought he was staying, both after the concert and in the morning. The management called the police on us, but by the time they arrived, we were actual customers having breakfast. It turned out he was staying at another place close by. My other brush with a famous person was a brush on the lips from Sen. Packwood. I was a me-tooer many years before me too.
ReplyDeleteAdmittedly, I have always loved meeting "famous" people. It evolved when I was employed at a Boston TV Station, Channel 5, affiliated with ABC. Back in the 70's it was not uncommon for a well-known politician, journalist, musician, author, comedian, athlete, actor, etc, would make an appearance at a locally-based TV station to introduce a product, concept, TV show, record, etc. At the time Channel 5 had a morning show called "Good Morning!" (later changed to "Good Day!") which was the model for the "Good Morning America" show on ABC. If time was available to take a break some of us would hang outside the Good Day studio to possibly have a word with some of the guests. It was actually a great deal of fun and I caught the "bug" of from then on making it my mission to meet some of those people I admired or was curious to know. I always made sure I never made a pest of myself in the process...well, maybe that one time I followed the actor Ray Liotta down Fifth Avenue into St. Patrick's Cathedral may have pushed the envelope a little bit. :-) On my list of those people I always to meet in the world of entertainment was Gene Kelley and Jimmy Stewart; I came close but it never happened. There are countless others in the world of sports, entertainment, humanitarian causes, etc. I would have loved to have had a quick chat with but that's just me; curiosity as well as admiration were always good reasons in my mind to pursue the possibility. In the world of music, beyond the obvious of hoping to meet the Beatles one day, I did passionately follow the music of the singer John Denver for over 25 years. I went to several of his concerts and loved that he was both a humanitarian and environmentalist. So secretly I always wanted to meet him. During his Wildlife Tour in the 90's when he no longer commanded the airwaves and was doing smaller venues my husband and I purchased tickets to see him at the South Shore Music Circus. As was my habit of being tardy for every function we ever attended we found ourselves running through the parking lot of the SSMC tent area because the concert was about to begin shortly. While doing so my husband turned to me and said "Wow...there he is." John Denver alone holding a teacup standing outside his dressing room with zero security around him. "Now is your chance to meet someone you always admired." Immediately I froze. What if John Denver turned out to be a jerk? What if when we approached him he told us to get lost? Or security came out of nowhere and arrested us?! The negative "what ifs" were endless...An impression of someone is a lot different from actually meeting them. The idea of following the music and career of someone for a quarter of a century and then finding out they are as we may say "a dink" made me hesitate. As well as wondering if we were actually the "dinks" to brazenly invade his private space at the moment. Still...we pressed on and suddenly we were standing right in front of this man who did not seem to be disturbed whatsoever that two strangers had unexpectedly come up to him. Although I was at a loss for words my husband filled in for me and I remember him saying to John Denver "Trust me, John, she absolutely adores you!" LOL....In response he laughed and said thank you very much followed by a hand over hand handshake for each of us. He graciously talked to both of us for a few minutes. He was so courteous to both of us despite our invading his space and a true gentleman. I was so relieved that he reacted the way he did and it is a very fond memory I was always treasure.
ReplyDeleteThat’s how famous people should behave!
DeleteI agree but your restroom- waiting- in- line story and your dinner time with Louise Penny being constantly peppered with interruptions brought me front and center about my behavior, too. While I think most of the interruptions by those caught up in the moment are well intentioned there are times when those intrusions must feel invasive and disrespectful. Looking back I hope I wasn't one of those people who disrespected anyone's space although I may have crossed the line with John Denver. He did say he appreciated all those who followed (as well as purchased) his music over the years. But I still am fortunate that he patiently handled the situation with grace and understanding
DeleteRhys, I laughed so hard at the "working at my hairdresser" remark! The world conspires to keep us humble.
ReplyDeleteI know when the popular press began in the 1920s, here in the US, "society folk" were the celebrities - their trips and parties and weddings captured in photographs and followed avidly by readers. But what was before that? Were there celebrities in the 1820s? I suppose one could say Mr. Collins treated his patroness, the esteemed Lady Catherine de Bourgh, as if she were a Kardassian...
The Fulebof Wellington was the biggie at the time!
DeleteWhenever someone talks about the blight that is the Kardashians, I always like to remind them that their entire platform of being famous for being famous started because one of them was dumb enough to make a sex tape with the brother of a famous more at the time singer and it got "leaked".
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm pretty sure the Orange Turd got elected twice less due to the fact he's a "reality" TV "star" and more due to the fact that half the country is beyond stupid.
I've met plenty of famous people, but they've all at least actually done SOMETHING. An actor/actress, a writer or a musician. They've done SOMETHING. It may not be something that changed the world but at least they contributed something to the arts through performance or creation at least. And I meet them because it is great to be able to say to them how much I liked whatever particular thing they did. But they provide no influence to me over what I'll think about non-related topics.
Jay I really don't understand the popularity of Trump. It truly baffles me.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of our Jungle Red's, I met Lucy quite by mistake. I had read some Haley Snow Key West books written by a Lucy Burdette . When I attended a panel discussion about food writers at a college reunion in 2015 one of the panelists was a Roberta Isleib. I didn't put "Roberta" and "Lucy" together as the same person until she spoke about the Key West protagonist Haley Snow and the light bulb went off. I went down afterwards and she was so nice. It was fun to meet her.
I'd like to play devil's advocate here and respond by saying my niece, who is a small business owner with a family to raise as well as having a Masters in Communications, is not "stupid". Putting a blanket label on all those who may have voted a certain way as being stupid is unfair. Many were simply hoping for change and who were desperate to see things lean in a more positive direction in getting inflation under control. Keeping a roof over their heads, feeding their families, heating their homes and paying for health care continue to be major issues for many Americans and the feeling of being disheartened is very real. As a centrist still waiting for the "perfect" candidate I am amazed at the hostility and hatred that has flooded our country on both sides of the aisle.
DeleteI agree Anon about not putting a blanket label on Trump voters. However, he hasn't brought down inflation, in fact it is going up. He said it's not one of his priorities. And the firing of millions of people who work for the federal government who now are rightly disheartened who will lose the roof over their heads, etc. But, yes I understand what they hoped would come to pass. We will see.
DeleteYaayyyy! And the winner is!
ReplyDeleteThe winner of Kathryn Lasky’s book is Brenda Gaskell! Email me and I will connect you! Hank@hankpryan.com
I have been able to meet and/or get autographs from some famous people, thanks to my husband. He’s not shy about talking to celebrities as “regular folk”. He ran into Tommy Tune, the Tony-winning actor/dancer/director at a performance of Will Rogers Follies during intermission. My husband took me over to meet him and Mr. Tune was so gracious and Southern gentlemanly. (He kind of plays “aw shucks, down home” when interviewed, but was very polished and so nice.) Another time we were walking back to our car after seeing Marvin Hamlisch in concert locally and there he was, talking to a few other fans outside the theater. I would have walked on, grateful for a glimpse, but my husband walked up, hand extended, and chatted with the man.
ReplyDeleteLeft to my own devices, I tend to be tongue tied when I meet a famous person. That includes the five Reds writers I have been fortunate enough to meet. All of those ladies were very sweet and generous with their time.
One last note: yes, Hallie, I remember the Loud Family. I think my mom watched the show. I saw just enough of it to make me feel very uncomfortable for the people being filmed while living their lives. To this day I don’t watch “reality TV”. — Pat S
I think authors, musicians, artists, etc. should be honored for what they do. I'd really like so see others recognized such a scientist, medical researchers, doctors, teachers, etc. These people are real heroes as they make a huge difference it people's lives. (I've never watched reality tv. My idea of reality tv is the news.)
ReplyDeleteI have had a number of occasions to meet well known people and have thanked them and told them how much I enjoyed their performance or whatever they were well known for.
ReplyDeleteOne time I met the father in law of the governor. He was also the asst conductor of the Boston Pops which is the summer counterpart of the Boston Symphony. I knew who he was and made a comment acknowledging it. His response was ‘how do you know who I am’? He was quite surprised that he was recognized even though he regularly performed in front of hundreds and over the years thousands of people.
Rhys, I met you in Boston and told you I enjoyed your books. You were quite humorous and charming and, yes, lovable. Whenever I meet someone who reads your books I tell them about my meeting and having an opportunity to talk to you.
Love the bathroom story, Rhys! I actually once had someone push a book for me to sign under the door of the toilet stall! I do love meeting readers but that was a wee bit over the top.
ReplyDeleteOr below the pale
DeleteLOL Rhys!
DeleteThank you Rhys, for a lovely week. It has been good for just for a few moments to remember that life is good. Margo, in Canada, troubled by the times.
ReplyDeleteThank YOU for your entertaining stories, Margo!
DeleteAuthors have always been my celebrities of choice, but luckily I know how down to earth they are, too. I'm not saying that I wouldn't be excited to find myself in an elevator with Julian Lennon. Oh wait, I did experience that. But, the best excitement is meeting and talking to authors whose books I've loved reading, and authors are glad to meet their readers and talk to them. I do think that all famous people, from authors to actors to musicians and on, deserve their private moments, like maybe in a bathroom or already in a bathroom stall. I grew up with Nick Clooney, George's father, being on the television out of Cincinnati (an hour away from my hometown of Maysville, KY)), so he's easily recognizable to me. Years ago Nick and his wife moved to Augusta, KY, another Ohio River town even closer to Maysville. So, some friends and I went out to eat in Augusta one evening, and Nick and his wife were seated at the next table. I could have gone to their table and told Nick how much I enjoyed him on TV when I was growing up and how much I enjoy George's movies now, but I didn't. He and his wife were out with another couple eating, and I felt it would be wrong to disturb them in that setting. Time and place, time and place.
ReplyDeleteI quite agree, Kathy. If a celebrity is out as their public persona it’s one thing. If they are having a private dinner they should be left in peace. Although I don’t mind if someone comes up to me and says “I love your books”!
Delete(1) When Elizabeth Taylor introduced the perfume White Diamonds, one of her publicity stops to introduce the product was on the first floor of Filenes at Boston's Downtown Crossing. I was there standing in the crowd, but close enough to witness her purples eyes. That was my biggest celebrity thrill. (2) Summers when we spent a week at the Winnetu on Martha's Vineyard, we would often see celebrities with their children at the pool, but everyone there ignored them which was really considerate although it was great to see them dealing with their kids just like everyone else. (3) I love live, in person author events where I can ask questions from the audience and then meet the authors! (4) I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO INTEREST IN THE KARDASHIANS!!!!!! Alicia Kullas
ReplyDeleteLove this post, Rhys. I'm quite positive I will die having never seen an episode of the Kartrashians. Fame is a fickle friend, too. Better to have a passion and pursue it with your whole heart that to long for fame which can be fleeting.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen any program about the Kardashians. But last night I watched a splendid, moving and sometimes heartbreaking biography about Hazel Scott on PBS. This is a woman name and gifts have been forgotten too easily. A Black child, she received scholarships for classical piano training at Julliard... at the age of eight. She was the first Black woman to have her own television program. She was married to Adam Clayton Powell and was prominent in the Civil Rights movement.... and then the McCarthy era arrived (not so unlike what our country seems to be entering once again). I urge you to watch this documentary. Hazel Scott deserves to be famous!
ReplyDeleteSorry, I forgot to log in. Victoria Zackheim. And I didn't do such a great job of editing, either! This a woman WHOSE name...etc.
DeleteMy father used to say, ‘’Famous people go to the bathroom just the same as we do. If a famous person comes to visit us, they can use the same facilities we do. They don’t need new ones!’’
ReplyDeleteLouise Penny is a Canadian gem. I love her books ❤️📚