"What Is Celebrity?"

Because I write for newspapers and have TV and radio shows, I get to meet a variety of celebrities. I get to meet some who are on their way up, and I get to meet some who are on their way down. I meet some who take themselves very seriously and others who don't seem to have a clue that they are stars. It varies from person to person.

Several years ago Britney Spears made her first movie, a film titled "Crossroads." I flew to New Orleans to interview her. When we met she was as sweet as could be, a little shy, but totally a professional. I had about ten minutes with her and during this time she never let down her guard. She was Britney and she conducted herself like she was playing a role. I wondered if she was ever just herself and somehow I doubted that she was.

The other extreme was Julia Roberts. I have interviewed Julia three or four times and each time I interviewed her she was having a great time. She was herself and let the chips fall where they might. I never had the feeling her answers were rehearsed or anything other than spontaneous. Plus she always let loose with that rich, throaty laugh of hers.

Julia Roberts is probably one of the most famous actresses in the world today but being around her you would never know it. She doesn't act like she thinks she is something special. She is just herself, and believe me that is enough.

Mel Gibson impressed me as someone who didn't enjoy the celebrity part of celebrity. When I interviewed him he seemed ready for the whole thing to be over. I didn't think he had any personal animosity towards me, he just didn't like the whole celebrity process.

The same was true with Hugh Grant. I have interviewed him several times and every time I talk with him he states how he doesn't think acting is a very serious profession for a man. He always says he is thinking about quitting and starting a career as an author or something more formidable. Whether he will or not remains to be seen as his career keeps on rocking along.

One of the most down to earth people I have ever met is Ice Cube. He treats his career as a business and he is totally savvy about what it takes to make it go. He knows the entertainment side, the business side, and the public relations side. Of all the celebrities I have met, he is the one who seems to have the best clue as to what it takes to succeed.

Then there is John Travolta. John is the friendliest celebrity I have ever met. He always seems happy to see you and always calls you by name. John is not your guy next door. He is John Travolta. John is aware of his celebrity but he enjoys it. That is the impression I get from him. He enjoys being John Travolta and he wants you to enjoy it too.

Celebrity is a funny thing. It enhances some lives and destroys others. Some people are aware of how famous they are while others act like they are just ordinary people. And in truth they are all just human beings like the rest of us. They are just richer and better known.
 

 

 

 

 

©2007 Jackie K. Cooper

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