Yeah I think you are probably right, away from the cameras he is probably not the cheeky chappy fun loving guy he is on camera, that could well be down to being shy or being a private person etc, while he was not directly rude the times I met him he just didn't come across as a gregarious people person

I know a few people who've met her and all said she was lovely.

I've never heard of her having a problem with people approaching her husband, but if they were 'off duty' I don't blame them for not welcoming approaches by strangers.

It's all very well being critical of celebs, but I've lost count of the number of occasions when I've read in this thread (and on other forums) about someone having a less than satisfactory encounter with a celeb, only for it to turn out that they approached them when they were 'off duty' (i.e. shopping, walking down a street minding their own business, eating in a restaurant or having a quiet drink with their mates) and/or were less than polite.

Celebs don't deserve special treatment (nor should they be given it), but if you want them to be pleasant and friendly to you, it helps if you behave in the same way to them, and take into account that when they're off duty they're not necessarily going to welcome attention.

There's a world of difference between a celeb being genuinely unpleasant (i.e. doing a DYKWIA) and simply not wanting to engage in conversation with a stranger when they're 'off duty'.

I chatted to someone who, as a boy, approached Roy Castle for an autograph, and says he got told, 'Son, you can stick that pencil up your backside and whistle Swannee River!'

Surely a celeb is never really off-duty, although there are situations where they should not be troubled.

It is like a policeman who has to respond if they see a crime taking place when they are not working. I understand it is a disciplinary matter if they fail to do so.

It is much the same with off-duty doctors who are expected to help someone in a medical emergency.

I loved the story that Kenneth Williams told about when he went shopping with Maggie who was looking for a bra. When the very grand sales lady told her the outrageous price Maggie drawled, "Christ, it would be cheaper to have my tits off"

Maybe not a big celeb but I did sound for a pub act and we got to be the support act for The Move twice, two years apart.

Bev Beaven, the drummer (and infact all the band) were charming, and even though I was just the support acts roadie, he remembered my name for the second gig which I was amazed at. Also my friend who was the support played guitar to a backing track and the band were tempted for a laugh to come and mime as if it was them but because they didn't ask befre they didn't want to ruin his act. Class act all around.

I think Bev had something to do with the oringal ELO? I am sure someone will be able to correct me if I am wrong.

PJ

Wasn't Jeff Lynne, who founded ELO, in The Move, originally-along with Roy Wood, of Wizzard fame.

My friend's ex fella once did security at an event that Richard Hammond was appearing at and he was charged with looking after him - said he seemed like quite a quiet bloke but really nice and friendly and was great to everyone who had come to see him.

the implications are a bit more serious if a policeman or a doctor fails to take action over a crime or medical emergency though

I certainly wouldn't put a celeb refusing to sign an autograph in the same category....you'll give them even bigger egos than they already have

That's surprising because Roy was known (on television, yes) for being one of the nicest people in showbiz.

Well he was known for being a tosser away form the TV.

The woman is a legend and the real definition of a star.

I adore her.


Bette Midler told an interesting story about how she used to be basically a bitch to anyone that approached her until one guy lost it and said he would never buy another record or see another one of her movies ever again.

She sobered up after that encounter. I was shocked to here it as I never thought she would be a cow to her fans.

WOW! I love him!

You're so lucky to have met him. How did you encounter him?

I've met a few celebs over the years, and been lucky enough to always have nice meetings.

Derren Brown - Lovely, polite and SO caring towards his fans. True gent.

Billie Piper - Delectable, delightful and wonderful.

David O'Leary - Gentleman. Took loads of time out to sign and chat.

Graham Cole (Tony Stamp off the Bill) - Same as above.

Professor Richard Wiseman - Legend. Bought me a coffee, spent time talking about magic and then came to see me perform. Lovely bloke.

Russell Howard - Slighty tired, but he had just done a gig. Waited until every fan had an autograph.

Thanks, I knew there was some connection.

By the way, The Move still had it, they rocked the venue

Kenny Baker came to stay at our Hotel a few years ago and was pleasant enough, until it came to the end of the stay and complained that all of our door knobs were too high!

Our GM said - 'Do you not think it may be that you're a little short for them sir?'

At a pub in a place called Kingswood in Surrey, am guessing he was visiting friends or something

I met Darren Hayes (Savage Garden) last NYE and he was a total sweetheart!

Oh he is an absolute darling, I've met him a few times and he is a complete doll. Love him to bits.

He really is. Completely goes out of his way for everyone. and occasionally dm's on twitter!

I guess part of how a celebrity treats their fans depends on how long they have been famous for.

Someone who becomes famous in 6 months is maybe going to be nicer than someone who has been around 20 years, maybe they get a bit fed up.
any other thoughts on this?

Loving the Maggie Smith anecdotes. I like her even more, now!

I've found the opposite to be true to be honest. The longer and more established the star, the friendlier they are, or certainly, the more A list they are, the better they are.

Ahahaha!

Someone ought to do an Animal Magic with cranky, cursing animals.

Kylie and Geri Spice visited Great Ormond St off their own backs (as opposed to courting a huge amount of publicity) - on Xmas Day back in the 90s - and to me that deserves ultimate respect - regardless of whether they may be nice or not so nice. They came on their own, separately, no entourages.......I was there, so that is the proof enough

Robin Williams - also a funny man, lovely
Prince Phillip - hmmm, ignorant, dare I say it
Peter Andre (first time in the 90s) - awful, arrogant, rude
Peter Andre (a couple of years ago) - much better!
Shirley Manson and Garbage - fantastic, lovely, welcoming, friendly and helpful
Matt Goss (in 1998) - quite aloof, hiding under a baseball cap
Russell Crowe - post Gladiator -spent a lot of time talking to us at the premier of Proof Of Life
Michael Parkinson - very rude, turned his back on me
Ant and Dec (when they were still PJ and Duncan) - very sweet, small and shy!
Jenny Frost *(when she was in Precious) - lovely!
Jamilia (when she was just starting out and doing school tours) - very shy and sweet

Many more, but these are the ones that stick in my mind