Living in NYC we see many famous faces walking around, dining, out, and even shopping in the grocery store. Celebrities are people too and have to do the things that other humans do on a daily basis. Last year I was on a subway train and John Lithgow gets on and stands right in front of me. The train conducter made an announcement about our train service changing and he asked me to repeat what she said. In that instant I wanted to thank him for all of his great work, especially in Dexter. Instead I answered his question and left it at that. As he exited the train another guy that was standing near us walked over and started wispering his praise to John. John seemed to be appreciative but more so like he didn't want to be bothered. I was happy that I respected his privacy and treated him like just another New Yorker, I'm sure he did as well.
Today I was dining at the Empire Diner on 10th Ave in NYC. The owner happens to be Amanda Freitag from Food Network's Chopped TV show and also the Next Iron Chef competition. I never knew how good a chef she is until I watched her in action and almost take the Next Iron Chef title. Watching her on Chopped is a treat as well, she is very composed, laidback, professional, and spot on with her criticism/praise. When I passed by the kitchen to find the restroom I noticed she was expiditing. One side of the pass is in the kitchen and the other on the exterior where everyone walks by. As I washing my hands I'm thinking of everything I've ever wanted to say to her, some were pretty clever. I opened the door saw her working and simply passed by without saying a word. I was happy to see her and that was good enough for me.
I guess I didn't want to be one of the many people that bombard her, or any star for that matter, with compliments and self serving verbage. Coming from a career in the music business where I worked with many famous recording artists, I learend to be respectful and give people space. In the end it makes them more comfortable to be around you. So the next time you see a celebrity and want to approach them, ask yourself should I bother that celebrity or not?
Comments (5)Subscribe to CommentsComment