Is it rude to approach a public figure (well known person) on the street?

Question

On occasion friends and I see celebrities or media people walking down the street. In some cases I feel like I know these people as well as my own friends and family but of course they do not know me. I saw a local weather-caster
(TV Meteorologist) once I have been watching for 20 years. He has been a regular visitor to my home so many years, but again he does not know me.

Would it be rude for me to approach him and talk?

Answer 1

I think it is a little rude. These people are in the spotlight constantly. Especially if they are out with their family, you should not bother them. If they are standing there signing autographs or making a promotional appearance, that would be different. Otherwise, you should leave them alone.

Answer 2

I wouldn't stop someone who was walking--maybe smile, nod, and say "like your work" in passing. After all, they are going somewhere....and maybe have to be there in time.

Particularly I wouldn't interrupt a celebrity who is with family or friends, trying to make a purchase, or especially, eating. (Can you imagine how awkward it would be to try to eat....with everyone watching every bite? No more spaghetti!)

If they are in a public venue as "THE CELEBRITY", like a meet-and-greet or charitable event, then they are working, and you should feel free to say something. I'm sure that a few words of praise wouldn't annoy anyone but the most out-of-touch, arrogant person.

And, if you really like this person's work, you can send him a letter!

I would never, ever, pay a celebrity like a sports player for a signature on a ball card. Too degrading on your part, too greedy on theirs.

Answer 3

How does he visit your own home but don't know you? Do you mean on TV he is in your home?
It depends on the situation but good luck because most of the time they don't want to be bothered so they look at you like you are a jerk and then you feel like crap and then have a whole diffrent opinion on them. There was a few times I saw celebs like Dustin Hoffman at the beach and my friend approached him and he blew him off and there was a time I saw Jerry Only from the Misfits and he actually sat and talked to me and took a picture. (Nicest person I have EVER met)
Just simply say "I enjoy watching you, and I am a fan" instead of trying to presue a conversation with them and see where that takes you. I don't find it rude only because they are on TV so of chorse they have to expect fans. But it just depends on their mood and what they are doing at the moment is all.

Answer 4

Definitely not rude. Just be exciting. :)

As a matter of fact, a couple years ago I sold some suits to one of Denver's longtime meteorologists, when I worked at a men's clothing boutique...

I said to him, "You know, 20 years ago, you came to my elementary school for an assembly and you picked me out of the crowd to help you on stage..."

And he smiled and said, "Oh yeah?"

And I said, "Yeah. Ever since then I have hated meteorologists."

Just bein silly. We had a good laugh. After that, he was one of my good customers....

If you do the, "Mister _____, I am such a fan and I have a big respect for you blah blah blah" ... it won't be rude, but it might be boring for him. I mean, he gets it a lot.

I say, if you're gonna chat, add a little pizzazz. And don't overrespect him, he's just a person doin his job.

Answer 5

Celebrities are people, just like us. They're not all going to react the same. Some, and I don't blame them, do not like having people interrupt them during their private times with their families. Others realize that being famous, you're most likely going to be approached if you're in a public place.

I saw Dennis Franz, who played Andy Sipowicz in NYPD Blue, in a mall in NYC. He was coming down the escalator, and before I could stop myself, I shouted, "Hey, Sipowicz". LOL He was really nice about it. He even talked to me and my sister for a couple of minutes. He gave me his autograph on a Taco Bell napkin. I put it in a frame. LOL

Answer 6

It is rude, yes. i work as a bodyguard for many celebrities in the hollywood area and have first hand knowledge of what they say about it. It seems that they all truly appreciate their fans. However, they also want their own private time too, just like you do. I would say if they are in a private area or time, like church, shopping, eating, etc. then leave them alone. if they are at an awards show, a benifit event, etc. hten they are there for their public, have at it. but still be polite, please, make my job easier! LOL!

Answer 7

Reason this one out.

He/she does not know you. They are doing a J O B of their chosen profession.

How would you feel if someone you did not know stepped up to you on the street, in a restaurant, while shopping, etc., and said HEY, I KNOW YOU, blah, blah, blah.

If you wish, send them a note via mail or e-mail to their station or agent, or fan club. Leave them alone.

Sir Alec Guinness always travelled by the 'tube' (subway for us in North America). He never considered himself a 'star'. To him it was an occupation (job if you like). His wife, Joan Plowright is also of this view.

This 'star' thing is purely a North and South American thing.

If you feel you must approach them, be very polite, never interfere with dinner, etc.

They are not for your amusement on their own time.

Answer 8

I don't think so. As long as you are polite. People who are shy or easily aggravated shouldn't go into a business where they're on TV. They are used to being approached. Of course, they do get tired of it, but in my opinion if they didn't want to be approached by fans they should get out of the TV industry.
I, personally, would not go over to talk to a celebrity because I just wouldn't want to make their big heads any bigger by making them think I care about who they are. I have only seen two celebrities in my whole life and even though I had the chance to rush over and hassle both of them I decided not to. I just ignored them.
But that is part of the job. If you want to say hi to your weatherman, go ahead!
But on the other hand, celebrities are still human beings with rights. And I would not recommend going over to one to tell them negative things about themselves.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

me personally have never confronted any kind of celebrity or famous person as I do believe it is rude. But on the other hand some famous people are really kind and used to it so i think it depends on the person