Mike, who's written a book on proper etiquette when meeting celebrities, was also blunt about how we really shouldn't be giving them gifts, especially baked goods. It's a waste. And now I can't stop thinking about how many delicious cakes have been thrown out!
"I can guarantee you it’s going to get tossed. I mean, would you eat an item of food handed to you by a stranger on the street? I think baked goods are a common gift right now, because everyone seems to be baking, and it’s just there in their kitchen waiting to be given away! Your compliment on the celebrity’s work is gift enough. That they will cherish, it’s the validation they’re looking for," he said.
Don't go for gifts when a kind word will do.
Earlier, I had a chat with celebrity expert Mike about how there are no two ways to go about it when you're a well-known celebrity: you have to assume that you're always “on display,” always being watched by fans, even if you're trying to live a private life.
That's one of the reasons why it's best to be nice to your adoring public. We know, we know—the endless autographs and selfies can be exhausting, but being friendly and approachable is the best way to approach stardom.
“It does take some conscious effort on the celebrity's part to be nice, just knowing every interaction, and everything they're doing in public can be recorded,” LA-based celeb expert Mike told Bored Panda that there's a very practical reason to be nice.
“For some celebrities, in fact, I'd say most celebrities, being nice comes naturally. It doesn't take any special effort, because it's who they are as a person,” he pointed out that most stars aren't faking the smiles and the kind words. They're nice people in and out of character.
Mike, who has met hundreds of celebrities, shared how his experience has shown that “the bigger the star, the nicer the celebrity.” That's because they understand just how vital their fans are to their success. “The established stars have it down and understand the importance of the celebrity/fan relationship.”
Meanwhile, some fresh, up-and-coming stars might create problems and have more difficult personalities. However, in the movie business, that kind of outlook hurts more than it helps. “You usually only have a problem with the newer, up-and-coming stars. They at times don't get it and may think they're too good to interact with you. This attitude often backfires, and they realize if they want longevity, it's actually not that hard to be nice,” Mike said.
The celeb expert highlighted how you have to always assume that somebody is going to take a photo of you if you're a high-profile star. “Everyone is carrying a camera phone, and the paparazzi have telephoto lenses and drones. There's simply no escaping it.”
The celeb expert continued: “If you're normally a nice person, it shouldn't be that difficult to just lead your life. If you're worried about slipping up, then literally the only thing you can do is stay in your house.”
There's also the fact that not every interaction with fans and the media is going to be wonderful. However, the lesson there is to embrace it and move on without breaking down. “Stars have to accept they are going to be at times mocked by the media and even the fans. You have to realize it comes with the territory,” Mike told Bored Panda.
“Stars have chosen a public-facing occupation, and with that comes media scrutiny. Don't read negative comments or articles about yourself. Have the confidence to know you're doing something right if you've become successful in a very difficult industry.”
What about you, dear Pandas? Have you ever seen a movie star on the street? What did you say to them? Did you shout out any well-known lines from the films they've acted in? Have you ever baked a celebrity a cake? Let us know in the comments below.
