As an example, say you’re a big fan of classic rock music. You walk into a bar, sit down, and notice Jimmy Page is sitting next to you.
What do you say to him?
“Mr. Page, I really love your music.”
“What was John Bonham like?”
“It was really cool when you used the bow on your guitar.”
Those sound incredibly corny, boring, and patronizing.
What can you say that doesn’t sound corny?
Not sure why you would need to talk with him, but if necessary, starting with the weather or some non-controversial current event might be okay. Big stars probably get enough fawning that that’s not what they’re generally looking for.
“I heard you was dead…”
I’d say “Mr. Page.” with a nod of my head and go back to my beer. Leave the poor guy alone, willya?
The last celebrity I met was James Carville. I complimented him on his haircut.
I’d probably fix’m with a gimlet eye and go, “Mnagh… gurm… BORLOVOKA!”
…just to see the look on his face.
Of course, I’d adjust this course of action, depending on the number and size of bodyguards…
Pretty much along the lines of what I would do.
A story from Patrick Stewart.
Yeah, say nothing unless addressed first and probably not comment on their celebrity even then. I have a great deal of sympathy for the sacrifices most celebrities have to make to their private lives. I figure any peace I can give them by not interrupting their down time is just courting good karma.
Of course there are the occasional celebrity-type that is always on and relishes interacting with fans. But since I generally don’t know which is which I’m not going to assume any random actor or what have you falls into that category.
Although I’ve always been a huge Zeppelin fan I don’t think I’d even recognize Jimmy Page if I met him.
If I met a celebrity that I respected (i.e. not a Kardashian) I would just very politely say, “Big fan of your work”. If it was a Kardashian etc. I just wouldn’t say anything (and if it was Bruce Jenner I’d just run away screaming*!*) 
I’d say “Hi Mr. Plant”.
Well, when I encountered John Mahoney walking in the park, I said “Excuse me, aren’t you John Mahoney?”
He said “Yes, I am.”
“You’re a very talented man.”
He said “Thank you”, shook my hand, and walked on. He didn’t seem to mind, but I didn’t press it. Perfectly nice man.
Just a simple, “I enjoy your work,” and then leave them alone.
I might ask him if there’s a bustle in his hedgerow.
mmm
When I met Laurence fishburne he was standing alone in front of the same bar I was smoking. I said “Hi, love your shoes.” They were really cool.
For various reasons, in years past, I met a number of celebrities. I never commented on their work. Would have felt intrusive, I guess, since we were interacting in a non-public setting.
Yeah, that’s a perfect and acceptable response. A friend of mine was working as a hotel porter and was called upon to carry Paul Reiser’s luggage up to his room. He was an avid fan of Mad About You, but didn’t make a huge production out of it. He just said “I enjoy your show,” and left it at that. Didn’t bother Reiser one bit. I on the other hand, have terminal foot-in-mouth disease. I met Carly Simon in a bar once and asked her if anybody had ever told her that she looks just like Carly Simon. :smack:
For Jimmy Page…
“Can I buy you a drink?”
Or
“I have some really kickass blow”
If I met Bruce Springsteen, I’d say: "Love your work, caught you in Saginaw just before “The River” came out.
If I met Steven King, I’d say: “I’m such a big fan…of your son.”
‘Nice place,’ and ‘Good band.’ To Dan Akroyd when we were the only two people upstairs at The House of Blues on Sunset.
Halloooooooo!!!..
I tried to sell a used car to Billy Gibbons last month.
