Leave Celebrities Alone at Shows- Page 2

[Wynbish]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 2:18pm

I would think it's different for celebrities attending a show and celebrities just seen around town, running errands. If they are attending a show, they know they are putting themselves in an environment like that, and as long as it does not disrupt the show or their observance of it, why not?

But if they are just around town, trying to get somewhere or pick up some things, that seems more intrusive.

Then again, there are some people who really should never be approached, like the aforementioned Vince McMahon

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 2:19pm

Lea Michele's reaction would have been the same even if some kid in a wheelchair told her she was his inspiration.

She's a miserably unpleasant person.

[jv92]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 2:21pm

And she doesn't have much talent, either.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 2:25pm

Reported!

[jv92]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 2:27pm

What would happen if some elderly theater actress (Lansbury, Marian Seldes, Liz Ashley, etc.) came up to Lea Michele and said "Dear, I'm such a fan of yours?" Not saying they would, but what if?

Would she dart away and say, "Go away you creepy old bat?"

Probs.

[Wynbish]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 2:28pm

She would inwardly think, "Yeah you are, bitches."

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 2:30pm

No, it wouldn't be inward. Maybe she'd do the hot tea thing like when she was in RAGTIME.

[Wynbish]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 2:31pm

"So what, Lansbury? I'm going to get five Tony's too. As long as I am in Funny Girl five different times. And no one else is nominated. And rapture happens. And Jan Maxwell lets me borrow her bag."

[sorano916]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 2:41pm

If I see an actor who I've previously met several times at a show, I might say 'hi' in the lobby during intermission or something. That's what happened when I saw Stark Sands at Bonnie & Clyde during its Broadway run. He gave me a hug and we talked a bit about the changes of the show since La Jolla.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 3:47pm

My favorite celebrity stories that I heard second hand (and thus could be very untrue):

Maggie Smith was seated at the theater to take in a show, when someone tapped her on the shoulder.

"Miss Redgrave....Miss Redgrave...we wanted so badly to see your ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA but unfortunately we missed it. Will you ever do it again?"

Dame Maggie turned and with her signature deadpan said, "Of course I will, dear. Just. For. You." And then turned back around in her seat.

Another time, Sir John Gielgud was having dinner with some friends and two older women began to tentatively approach the table. He was in mid-conversation, but interrupted himself to announce in a voice loud enough for the women to hear, "But what I REALLY like is for a BIG BLACK MAN to squat over me and start CUMMING all over my face. WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!"

The two older women decided to return to their table.

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 3:52pm

I generally believe in leaving celebrities alone.

BUT...

The first husband and I were on the subway one day when Ms. Marian Seldes got on (she was going one stop, from 57th and 7th to 49th street to make the matinee of Deuce). First husband jumped up and said, 'Please take my seat, Ms. Seldes.' She declined, laughing, seemingly astonished that anyone would recognize her (bitch, please!).

I got out of her way so she could leave the subway car and, as she passed, I said, 'Have a wonderful matinee, Ms. Seldes!' She again laughed and touched my cheek at the wonderment of it all. Again, bitch please!

LOVE. HER.

[Playbilly]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 3:58pm

Most celebs are courteous and grateful, if you treat them the same. Except Mike Nichols. A dick.

[ClumsyDude15]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 4:07pm

My roommate and I went to see NEXT FALL not too long before it closed, I went to go put my bag on the ground and my roommate tapped me on the shoulder and handed me her Blackberry with the words "Sarah Jessica Parker is sitting in front of us.." on the screen. Sure enough, I looked in front of me and there she was - in all her Carrie Bradshaw glory. At most, we exchanged a glance and maybe a smile, but one woman kept trying to pester her at the end of the performance, asking her to sign something (which if I recall she did) and continued to pester her about the perfume she was wearing - which was all I could smell during the performance. At the time, Sarah Jessica was rather emotional from the performance and kindly told the woman that she needed a minute or two, then proceeded to move to another row and sit for a moment to gather herself. I just remember thinking how classy that was, and how she gave the women sort of what she wanted, but kept the control in the situation.

On the flip side, Lea Michele, the darling bitch that she is - was standing in front of my entry to be seated at American Idiot. She was chatting with a former Spring Awakening alumni, and I had to get around no matter what, and make the mistake of asking Ms. Michele to be the one to move. I barely got the words "Excuse me.." out before she turned and gave me one of the nastiest looks that basically screamed "If you mention anything Glee related or ask for a picture or autograph, I will kill you and make it look like an accident." When I got to finish my thought - "could you move" - she suddenly was the most apologetic person you've ever met and moved quickly out of my way. See, Miss Michele - it's not always about you, bitch.

Updated On: 8/23/12 at 04:07 PM

[jv92]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 5:38pm

If I ever see Lea Michele, I'm going to go up to her and say, "Excuse me? Who are you?"

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 5:44pm

"Maybe she'd do the hot tea thing like when she was in RAGTIME."

Can I get some elaboration on that reference?

[ClumsyDude15]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 6:17pm

If I ever see Lea Michele, I'm going to go up to her and say, "Excuse me? Who are you?"

I'd pay to see this and watch her obnoxious head explode.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 6:23pm

RC, I had a couple of encounters with Faye. Granted, they were at public functions, but she couldn't have been nicer. Chi Chi, the same with Debra Winger. But that was a couple of years ago. Now, with Alicia Silverstone joining The Performers, I'm curious how she will be at the stage door. My one and only encounter with her and she was a terror. But this was way before her last NY play. Around the time of Batman and Robin.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 6:36pm

I like the simple "Nice to see you..." dropped quietly at celebrities, with no lingering or expectation of response. I used to use it whenever I saw Kitty Carlisle Hart, and my "Nice to see you, Mrs. Hart" always got a smile out of her. Those were great New York Moments.

I used it again when we (almost literally) ran into Elaine Stritch at City Center recently, before a performance of the Uncle Vanya with Cate Blanchett.

Elaine was about to scowl at me, when I smiled and said, "Nice to see you again, Miss Stritch."

(I had never met the woman before in my life.)

She looked at me quizzically and I started on my to my seat, but I heard her say, "Good to see ya..."

I wished that she had added, "...kid."

Because if she had, I could have answered "I'm not a kid anymore, kiddo. I don't think I'll ever be a kid again."

Updated On: 8/23/12 at 06:36 PM

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 6:37pm

Well according to Alicia's book, when she did Batman she was still eating animals, was overweight and full of hate. Now that she's a mom, a vegan and a best selling author, she's much kinder. She takes pics and signs for anyone.

I once was behind Cynthia Nixon buying Tampax at Duane Reade. I didn't ask her for a photo.

I've been to two shows where Kate Winslet slid into her aisle seat as the lights went down and would hop up before lights up at intermission. She would not return until lights were down and fled before curtain call. She knows what she is doing.

I saw Cindy Williams drunk as a skunk at a Chinese restaurant in the village. She was, well drunk, so I yelled that I loved her and she yelled she loved me too. Someone asked for a photo and she gave them the stink eye and said "Im just here with my friend."

I once saw Marilu Henner on the street and I asked her for a photo. She told me only if I gave her money for charity. I thought she entered Loretta Swit-ville, but I later found she was filming The Apprentice. I told her I dont pay for photos.

[GavestonPS]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 6:48pm

I am reluctant to interrupt the Lea Michelle hate, but, ClumsyDude, isn't the point of your story that when she realized you weren't just interrupting her conversation to demand a favor and you actually needed to get by, she was not only accommodating but apologetic? Forgive me, but I think she comes off rather well in that tale.

***

Since I don't care about photos or autographs, the decision is easy for me. I acknowledge and speak to a celebrity only if (a) it's someone I really admire, (b) I have something at least moderately interesting to say*, and (c) I can say it without interrupting an ongoing conversation. You know: basically the same reasons one speaks to anyone else.

But I actually agree with Jordan that stars need to dial back the annoyance just a bit. Tom Hanks doesn't make $20 million a picture because he cures brain cancer. He certainly isn't obligated to pose for pictures, but he could be civil about it. (Please note: I'm only using Hanks as an example because of something that was posted above; I don't know the man. His wife walked into my class once when she was shopping for colleges for one of their kids. She couldn't have been nicer, though it was weird to find myself suddenly explaining Aristotle to Rita Wilson.)

* ETA having said the above, I like PalJoey's approach as well. Updated On: 8/23/12 at 06:48 PM

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 7:02pm

I've spoken to many stars civilly and "like normal people." They enjoy that. It's only when they see the glint in your eye of fame recognition that they freak out. Gaveston is right on the money-if you admire them to the extent that what you will say will come across as authentic and not creepy or if you actually have something to say to them that is relevant and not related to them being a star it works best.

Asking for photos from a star when they are on their own time is a celebrity boner shrinker.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 7:17pm

Why do I picture this threat taking place under a white sheet?

[notabb]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 7:24pm

My brother and niece were in town from Texas and I took them to PETER AND THE STARCATCHER the friday before the TONYS. The next day they were at a department store and Celia Keenan Bolger walks out. They told her how much they loved the show and her and she was very sweet to them. Asked where they were from , what was their favorite part of the show and mentioned she had just picked up her dress for the TONYS. She also took pictures with them. Her kind behavior made the trip so special for them. I was so grateful to hear this that now I will gladly go see ANYTHING she does . You don't have to be nice but it does make a difference.

[ChiChi]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 7:42pm

Personally I think it was a blessing that Lea Michelle left the revival of Les Mis before it started and we got Celia instead. She may very well be the only part I liked about that whole thing.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 8/23/12 at 7:55pm

Well theatre actors are lucky anyone recognizes them. Theres a huge difference between being Celia and being Julia Roberts.

Hunter and Lindsay are lucky anyone notices them.