by Jo Robertson
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Fame.
It’s such an illusive quality.
Who determines when a person achieves it?
Is notoriety fame? If so, the headlines that screech about Paris and Britney would be blasting the fame of those dubious divas.
This past March Paul Scofield died at the ripe old age of eighty-six. He’s best known for his portrayal of Sir Thomas More, the historical cleric who defied Henry VIII in the classic A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS based on Robert Bolt's play.
Ah, what wonderful lines Scofield had! And Robert Shaw as Henry wasn’t half bad.
My point is that Scofield was offered knighthood as the Brits are wont to do to acknowledge stage and music stars – witness Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir Paul McCartney.
But Scofield turned down knighthood. Wow, not sure I’d be able to resist such an enticement. His comment? “If you want a title, what’s wrong with Mr.?”
Indeed. What’s wrong with Mr.? Or Ms.?
In 1973 Sacheen Littlefeather refused Marlon Brando’s best actor award at the Academy Awards. Brando boycotted the ceremony and refused the award referring to Hollywood’s depiction of Native Americans.
Fame. Not sure I’d have passed up a chance to place an Oscar on my mantle either.
But then, I’m of the generation that collected movie magazines and sent off for signed autographed pictures of said idols. As a teenager, I decorated my walls with those black and white photos.
Fame.
Writers want fame, don't they? Or at least recognition of their writing. What writer doesn’t want to attain NY Times Best Seller status?
So what makes a person famous?
My point is that Scofield was offered knighthood as the Brits are wont to do to acknowledge stage and music stars – witness Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir Paul McCartney.
But Scofield turned down knighthood. Wow, not sure I’d be able to resist such an enticement. His comment? “If you want a title, what’s wrong with Mr.?”
Indeed. What’s wrong with Mr.? Or Ms.?
In 1973 Sacheen Littlefeather refused Marlon Brando’s best actor award at the Academy Awards. Brando boycotted the ceremony and refused the award referring to Hollywood’s depiction of Native Americans.
Fame. Not sure I’d have passed up a chance to place an Oscar on my mantle either.
But then, I’m of the generation that collected movie magazines and sent off for signed autographed pictures of said idols. As a teenager, I decorated my walls with those black and white photos.
Fame.
Writers want fame, don't they? Or at least recognition of their writing. What writer doesn’t want to attain NY Times Best Seller status?
So what makes a person famous?
I may feel differently on another day, but right now here’s my list of the four most famous people alive today:
1. Michelle Obama – because she has these amazingly toned arms -- and I like how she bosses the President around sometimes.
1. Michelle Obama – because she has these amazingly toned arms -- and I like how she bosses the President around sometimes.
2. George Clooney – because he’s the nicest guy in Hollywood – ever!
3. Oprah Winfrey – not only because she owns more shoes than Imelda Marcos, but because she’s likely the most influential woman in the world.
4. Seamus Heaney – one of today’s greatest poets and winner of the 1995 Nobel Prize for his "works of lyrical beauty and ethical depth, which exalt everyday miracles and the living past.”
3. Oprah Winfrey – not only because she owns more shoes than Imelda Marcos, but because she’s likely the most influential woman in the world.
4. Seamus Heaney – one of today’s greatest poets and winner of the 1995 Nobel Prize for his "works of lyrical beauty and ethical depth, which exalt everyday miracles and the living past.”
What about you? What do you think makes a person "famous"? Would you ever want international fame? Why?
If you ever became famous, what would you like it to be for?
Who are your top three or four most famous people alive today?
I feel like giving away a gift today -- my "famous" Amazon gift certificate for $10 to the most "interesting" answer. Dr. Big will choose!
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