Here in Southern California, it’s not uncommon to see celebrities out and about. But how should you handle it when you run into someone whose work you really admire?
LAist’s Larry Mantle asked listeners of his show AirTalk to share their tips on how to approach stars when you just can’t let the moment pass.
Remember that stars are just like us
Nancy in Sherman Oaks said she’s worked for celebrities as a personal assistant, which has informed her perspective. “Sometimes [stars] just don’t want to be bothered. They’re living their lives, they’re with their children…I’ve been a few times with some of them, and people will shove a phone in their face, and they’re with their kids, and they say, ‘I can’t, I’m with my family.'”
It’s all in the timing
Dawn in Burbank said she finds herself around child celebrities quite a bit and that it’s important to read the room.
“If they’re having a meal with someone and in conversation or looking like they’re involved in something that maybe shouldn’t be interrupted, it’s not the time to ask for a picture.”
Chill with the selfies
Larry Mantle himself is a SoCal institution who gets recognized regularly when he’s out and about. But he’s not always camera-ready. On a late night run to Target, a fan asked for a selfie. Unfortunately, “I was very unfit to be photographed…And so I wasn’t really up for a selfie, but I don’t want to be rude to the person.”
Mantle added that “99% of the time, for me at least, it’s no problem. I’m very happy to take a photo with people. There’s just the occasional time where I look like a mess and I’d rather not have that documented.”
Mary from Torrance noted that she doesn’t ask for selfies, because “once one person does it, everyone else starts to do it.”
Respect personal space
Oscar-nominee Virginia Madsen wrote in from Hollywood to say, “I am very careful in regard to my personal safety. When approaching, people might consider how that would feel. So take it easy. Be polite. Manners go a long way.”
Pretend you already know them
Bennett in San Pedro said he used to do political fundraising and took an unusual approach. “If I wanted to meet a celebrity who was at an event, I would introduce someone else to them and invariably, they would either think they must know me, or I must be someone. And they would talk to me for a while.”
Play it cool
Padre in North Glendale shared an experience meeting NBA Hall-of-Famer and TV host Charles Barkley.
“People were bombarding him and he was so gracious. My wife and I held back and the next thing we knew, we were talking with him and having drinks. I think hanging back really was what helped with that.”
Thank them for their work
It might sound obvious, but the simple act of thanking a celebrity for their work can go a really long way. That’s the tactic Donna in Pasadena said she uses. “If they are receptive, then I thank them for their work and tell them how much I’ve enjoyed it. And I don’t go all fanatic about it.”
Jeffrey in Beverly Hills, a high school English teacher, takes the same tack: “I’ve had encounters with actors and have shared with them the fact that as a high school English teacher I have exposed my classes to their work through film…I’m approaching not just as an individual admirer, but as one who is cultivating a larger audience of young people who will be the future admirers and audience of that individual.”
Rene in Aliso Viejo added, “I think if you acknowledge and compliment a specific role or movie, it’s appreciated.”
Consider your location
Emily in Pasadena shared that small, enclosed spaces might not be the best place to say hello.
“I went into an elevator. Pau Gasol was there. I froze and said, ‘Oh my gosh, I love you.’ He said, ‘Thank you.’” She said they both then had to endure a very awkward elevator ride.
So, if you’re in an elevator with a celebrity, maybe wait until one of you arrives at your floor to say hi.
Listen to the conversation
How To Properly Fan Over A Celebrity You Admire
What questions do you have about Southern California?