Becoming a Hollywood Insider: Shaping My View of Celebrities

Ever heard the term 'Insider'? It's a rather exotic one, right? As a blue-collar worker, actor, and stuntman, I've come across my fair share of celebrities, even if it's just in the past two months, since the good old days of in-person interactions have been limited due to the ongoing pandemic. Let's dive into how becoming a part of Hollywood has changed my viewpoint on these famous faces.

Behind-the-Scenes Reality of Hollywood

Working in Hollywood is akin to any other job; you can't just categorize everyone into one neat box. There are those you barely acknowledge, those you engage with, and some you simply don't like—any ensemble you can imagine. It's a mix of personalities and interactions that make the industry what it is.

One of the biggest takeaways for me is that celebrities, like anyone else, have different faces. The one they present to the media and public is one thing, while their private face is another entirely. This duality is more common than we might think.。

The Two Faces of Celebrities

Not everyone has a single demeanor that spans both public and private life. Take Tom Hanks and his son, Colin Hanks, for instance. They embody warmth and kindness both in front of and behind the camera. On the other hand, you have actors like Jeremy Piven, who put on a friendly and charming facade for the camera but can be quite rude to his colleagues.

My rule of thumb? Unless there's a legitimate reason, I keep to myself and don't initiate conversations. If someone wants to engage, I'm there to chat, but I'm equally comfortable with silence if that's what they prefer.

Dealing with Fame and Stature

Many celebrities are just people, albeit larger-than-life figures. Some are quiet and reserved, which can sometimes lead to anxiety reactions when fans are overly excited. Others struggle to handle the burden of fame, which can feel like a curse to them, often leading them to retreat from the spotlight. They might get labeled with negative things, sometimes deserved, and other times not.

Then there are those who seem like likeable folks in public but are tyrannical in private. Ellen DeGeneres, for example, appears to be a great personality, but in reality, she can be a complete tyrant to those around her. It's all about the public perception versus the private reality.

Back to Reality: Just People, Just People

We all have our good days and bad days. Celebrities are no different. Some manage their fluctuations much better than others, while some are simply mean. I learned to no longer put them on a pedestal, especially as an assistant in the past. In life, it's important to remain cool and not get hung up on people's responses, you can move on if folks aren't appreciative.

So, my journey through Hollywood has taught me a lot about celebrities. They're just people, and we all have our secrets and sometimes our less-than-ideal days.