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Meeting Celebrities in New York City
 >> Celebrity spotting is a fun tourist sport as one strolls about the various Manhattan neighborhoods. The sight of John Lithgow reading a book in Central Park, or Al Roker, hustling down 48th Street in a full length cashmere coat, add an exciting flavor to the tourist who recognizes their presence in real life.
It takes full awareness for the average tourist to observe others around him or her in order to connect the persona to the real person. How the tourist responds to his or her good fortune calls for fast thinking and appropriate reacting.
The fan may rightly decide to speak a few words to a person they greatly admire or hesitate to interrupt the personality's thought processes. In the above circumstances, "Your coat looks great, Al!" might just brighten Al's day; but Lithgow, on the other hand, might rightly become a bit irritated by any intrusion into his literary world. That's why tourist discretion is crucial.
One recent personal experience of this nature happened when veteran comedian, Joan Rivers, made a surprise visit to NBC's Good Morning Show and after the show was over, she took the opportunity to walk to her next appearance on the Regis and Kelly show at ABC studios. In order to do so, she donned a large hat to shield her appearance from the crowds on the street.
Nearing her destination, she slipped into a doorway and removed her disguise. A fan (yours truly) took notice of the action and recognized Joan immediately. The fan stepped into the doorway and asked Ms. Rivers shyly if she might have a picture taken with her. Rivers, who is noted for her very sharp tongue, looked at the aging fan and bubbled, "I would love to have my picture with you, honey." Rivers extended her hand and asked, "Where are you from, dear?"
"Milwaukee," came a shaky response.
On hearing this, Rivers exclaimed, "I love Milwaukee! I played there thirty years ago."
"I saw your show back then, Ms. Rivers. I sent you a joke and you wrote me a thank you note. I still have it!"
"Oh, darling! You sent me a joke? And I wrote back to you?" What a wonderful memory for us!"
By this time a crowd was gathering and Rivers' associates were urging her along. As she walked away, she turned back once more and waved and trilled a very sweet "Goodbye."
Discretion, indeed, and an exciting memory for this tourist's picture album.
Questions?
Marion Guild
Marion Guild is a historian and avid world traveler who lives in Milwaukee, WI
Article by Marion Guild. Photo by luck! First published on 12/6/2008. All rights reserved by www.Littleviews.com.
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