Completely and totally random hypothetical scenario:
Say you’ve got this friend. You’re not best buddies, but say you work together, maybe sometimes go out for a beer after work, etc. Said friend one day invites you to a party he’s having (Say, New Years or something. Not a BigHugeDeal). You say you’ll be there. When you arrive, you discover that one of your friends’ other buddies is someone famous. Not ‘has some name recognition’, but Really Freakin’ Famous: Bill Gates, Brad Pitt, cover-of-People-magazine-famous.
Do you:
A: Acknowledge that, since they’re very famous, they’re used to being recognized, and it would be stupid to act like you have no clue who they are, or
B: Ignore the fact that they are famous, as you’ve never personally met them before, and go through the whole introduction thing as if you don’t know who they are?
Nod, say hi, express pleasantries, maybe appreciation for their talents if you are a fan, and then treat them just like any other guest. If you hate The Evil Empire, your friend’s party is not the time to take it up with Bill.
BTW, Charlize Theron is very personable and open. Nice lady.
Don’t gush, unless, you know… it’s like, the guy who cured cancer and discovered the real meaning of life. Otherwise, introduce yourself and say something nice to acknowledge that you know them. Offer to buy them a drink or even to join your group if appropriate.
You act as though you meet famous people all the time and it’s no biggie. Just offer your hand and say, Hi, I’m Doper X. If it’s a movie star or something say, “I’ve enjoyed your work.”
I guess the most famous people I’ve met are Stan Lee, Max Weinberg, and Jonathan Richman (not at the same place or the same time). With all of them, I shook their hands and told them how much I have enjoyed their work, and I grabbed the latter two for pictures with myself and the friends I was with.
Hang out at Comic-Con and you’ll meet all sorts of people. Some, like Sarah Michelle Gellar, have their security people whisk them away as soon as their appearance is concluded. Others, like Kevin Smith, Joss Whedon, Charlize Theron, etc. actually get out and meet people. They sign autographs, field stupid questions, and generally have a good time with us plebes/geeks/fanboys. Kevin Smith, especially. I would love to spend an evening drinking with him. Caustically witty and fast.
PS. This is a blatant plug for Charlize’s new movie Aeon Flux. Very true to the anime…with only slight modifications to the costume.
I’ve met a few famous theatre people, and my reaction was always along the lines of “You’re so good. Thanks for the enjoyment.” What, I’m suppose to meet David Hyde Pearce, Tim Curry and Hank Azaria and act like I don’t know who they are?
The only exception was Wayne Brady, but I’ve got such a thing for him.
