Today? No, I probably wouldn’t try to meet my idols. Another lifetime ago, I definitely would have.
I remember a magical turning point, back in 1987. I went to see the Yankees play the Texas Rangers at Arlington, and saw my all-tme favorite player, Ron Guidry, signing autographs. I went to get an autograph, but as I waited, I came to realize… I was the only person in that line over 12 years old. At that point, I felt so stupid that I went back to my seat, and haven’t tried to approach ANY celebrity for an autograph since (except for a handful of special book signings by authors at Barnes & Noble).
When I was 17, I would have LOVED to meet my favorite rock musicians. Today? I can’t think of any reason to bother them.
Several years ago, I USED to see the Dixie Chicks playing trivia games at an Irish-themed pub where I used to hang out. I thought about talking to them (we had a common interest, trivia, so I COULD have made some excuse). But I never did. They were usually there with family and friends, and I couldn’t think of ANY reason they’d want to hear from me!
Simply for the sake of having met them (such as walking down the street and seeing them window shoppiong and just approaching). No, I wouldn’t, and haven’t when the opportunity has presented itself.
Yes, if it is a meeting that is organic in its occurrence but I would still never ask for a photograph or autograph and generally try to avoid fanboy behavior.
Musicians and actors…probably not. My experience is usually that I like their music and characters far more than their personalities. Not bad people, just not a click, historically.
“Behind the camera” types or writers…yes. Would have a lot of questions, and would love to learn more about their crafts.
Hard to say. Gord Downie’s someone that I think would be really interesting to talk to, but I’m not sure I’d be able to say anything terribly intelligent. I can’t think of any actors I’d be tremendously interested in meeting, and my three favourite authors are dead.
I’ve heard all the horror stories about Tom Baker, but he’s never been a disappointment to me in real life. Oh, and there were all the other Doctor Who celebs I’ve met at the same conventions. Not a bad vibe in the bunch.
I’ve met my favorite author, Bill Bryson, too. A nice, if fleeting encounter.
Mark Suppelsa, (sp?) a local Chicago news anchor, once visited my local Starbucks as a customer. No one took special notice, including myself.
I’ve bumped into three Chicago mayors while merely crossing the street, Jane Byrne, Harold Washington, and Daley the Younger.
Oh, we’re talking favorite celebs here. Never mind.
Current favorite celeb I’d like to meet? You know, not a whole lot come to mind. Maybe the MST3K crew? I went to a convention once featuring them, but didn’t get any personal encounters or anything.
A friend of mine was at a gaming convention, playing a role-playing game based on “Firefly”. Fillion was a guest at the convention, and wandered by their table, asking if he could play with them for a bit. Once they recovered from the shock, they all agreed, and had a grand time – he was a lot of fun, and very curious about the game (and, yes, they let him play Mal).
Personally, I’d love to meet either Jeff Lynne (of ELO fame), or Kristin Chenoweth.
I have no interest in meeting writers or singers but there are several actors who seem like it would be a blast to hang out with like George Clooney. Could just be good acting too.
During a live performance, I remember hearing Jeff Lynne talk about the very subject of this thread!
He said, “People have always told me that one should never meet ones heroes, because your heroes can only disappoint you. Well, I must be the luckiest man in the world, because I got to meet Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Roy Orbison… I’ve met nearly ALL my heroes, and they were wonderful.”
Yeah, but in his case, he was meeting them as an equal - as a fellow musician - and didn’t have to deal with the inherent distance of a fan from a musician.
