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Post by flossieskid on Dec 16, 2021 5:57:51 GMT -5
I had never heard of Cameo until last year. My daughter's boyfriend, Rob, lives in Chicago and is a HUGE fan of
"Survivor" and even had a group of friends that met weekly (social distancing and masks, of course) to watch each
week's episode. Jeff Probst bought Gene Autry's estate in 2011 and lives around the corner from me. Nikki asked if
I could please write to Jeff and perhaps get an autographed photo for Rob for his birthday.
Most of the neighbors in our area keep to themselves and I only met Jeff once before. After a large rainstorm
and severe winds, a giant tree fell from one side of our outgoing road to the other and no cars could pass.
But, Jeff's house is sooo large (I think it is on 2 acres and that is GIGANTIC in LA!) that it starts on one street
and the other side of the house is on another street. But, he has an expansive circular drive and was so kind that
he put up a sign outside his gate that the neighbors who couldn't get out could use his driveway to drive across
to the street that was not closed off by the tree. Incredibly kind for any neighbor don't you think?
As a thank you, when the downed tree was removed, I brought Jeff a basket of goodies for him, his wife Lisa
and his 2 step-children. Lisa's brought 2 children with her from her marriage to Mark-Paul Gosselaar. Jeff wasn't
home when I dropped off the basket, but about an hour later I saw him and his step-son removing some small
shrubs from where the large tree flattened them when it fell. After the shock of seeing a bonafide celebrity
doing manual labor, I stopped my car to introduce myself as the lady that just brought the goodies. He got
a big grin and said, "Wow, they were so incredibly delicious, I think most of them are gone already. That was
so nice of you." I told him he was the one who was so kind to let us drive across his property to reach a
useable street. We chatted for a few more minutes and I left.
But, when Nikki asked me to get Rob an autographed photo, I had to try. I wrote Jeff a letter, telling him I was the
redhead (or I would be again, when the hair salons opened up after the pandemic!) who brought him the goodies last
year. As I explained to Jeff, with every celebrity friend I have known over the years - Jack Lemmon, Bob Newhart,
Art Carney, Michael J. Fox, ad nauseam and even Robert Redford, Nikki had NEVER asked for a autograph
before, so Jeff was in a "class by himself" and it would mean a lot to her to have his autographed photo as
a birthday gift to Rob. I told him he could just leave it on his driveway and I could pick it up and left both my landline
(yes I AM that old!!) and my cell phone numbers. I finished the letter and, due to Covid, I just put it in his mailbox.
About 10 days later, I received a text from Jeff saying he and his family were out of town and he didn't have any
photos with him. He asked if he could just send a greeting to Rob to me and then I could forward it on to him.
Needless to say, I told him that would be a WONDERFUL substitute!
When I sent it to Nikki, she forwarded it on to Rob, but he couldn't really see the photo very well. When he
opened up the video and Jeff greeted him warmly, by his name, and referenced Rob's job as a journalist and
writer and went on for 4-5 minutes about "Survivor", Rob thought Nikki sent the request to "Cameo" and paid for
a birthday greeting. I had to ask Nikki what the heck was "Cameo" and she told me all about it. How in the world
could I have never heard of it?!?
Of course, when Nikki explained that it was a personal message sent to Rob from my neighbor, that her Mom had
got Jeff to do it for him while Jeff was on vacation, he was totally blown away! As expected, Nikki's special
birthday gift was a tremendous hit! The only funny thing in all the minutes Jeff spoke on the video, he forgot
to wish Rob a "Happy Birthday." But, somehow, I don't think Rob minded!
I messaged Jeff back and told him his video was a huge hit with Rob and Nikki and I were very grateful. I
told him I couldn't thank him enough for this very thoughtful gesture. Since it was right in the middle of the
pandemic, I promised to pick up his groceries or any take out food his family ordered, I would do their laundry for
a week and would surrender our last roll of toilet paper to them if needed! Obviously my remarks were in jest, but
Jeff was very sweet and wrote back that there was "...no thanks needed, it was totally my pleasure."
I share this story for two reasons: first to let fans know that there are still amazing and kind famous celebrities
out there who respond wonderfully to their fans. I always thought all the Walton cast would probably have done
the same. But, secondly, I admit that I must be a relic when it comes to new fancy ways fans can hear from
their favorite star. I guess the old motto is true: "You are never too old to learn new things!!"
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Post by Easton on Dec 16, 2021 9:53:34 GMT -5
I share this story for two reasons: first to let fans know that there are still amazing and kind famous celebrities out there who respond wonderfully to their fans. I always thought all the Walton cast would probably have done the same. But, secondly, I admit that I must be a relic when it comes to new fancy ways fans can hear from their favorite star. I guess the old motto is true: "You are never too old to learn new things!!" Unlike the guy in the grocery store.
I don't know Jeff. I've never even seen a single episode of Survivor.
Jeff doing manual labour? Well, sometimes it's difficult for us to think that famous celebrities can be real people too, unlike the guy in the grocery store. (Sorry for the repeat. His behaviour really irked me!)
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Post by patriciaanne on Dec 16, 2021 16:11:43 GMT -5
I don't watch Survivor so I'm going to guess that Jeff was a contestant? And I'm awfully glad I live on the East coast if two acres is a lot of land. 😱 Gosh, I think I'd need to be medicated to live that close to other people. 🤣
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2021 17:29:40 GMT -5
I don't watch Survivor so I'm going to guess that Jeff was a contestant? And I'm awfully glad I live on the East coast if two acres is a lot of land. 😱 Gosh, I think I'd need to be medicated to live that close to other people. 🤣 That is for the cities. I have seldom lived on fewer than 10 acres in California. |
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Post by Easton on Dec 16, 2021 18:09:44 GMT -5
I don't watch Survivor so I'm going to guess that Jeff was a contestant? And I'm awfully glad I live on the East coast if two acres is a lot of land. 😱 Gosh, I think I'd need to be medicated to live that close to other people. 🤣 Jeff is the host of the show, and always has been. |
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Post by patriciaanne on Dec 16, 2021 20:22:31 GMT -5
I don't watch Survivor so I'm going to guess that Jeff was a contestant? And I'm awfully glad I live on the East coast if two acres is a lot of land. 😱 Gosh, I think I'd need to be medicated to live that close to other people. 🤣 That is for the cities. I have seldom lived on fewer than 10 acres in California. Ah, that's much better! |
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Post by ellaroo on Dec 16, 2021 20:49:22 GMT -5
I'm always skeptical on whether certain celebrities are humble to others or not. I usually can judge by the way they present themselves to their audience or if a legit person working for them has alot of nice things to say about them. You shouldn't assume every star is full of themselves. You never know what they're like. You can say the same thing about us regular folks. I'm glad you shared a more positive story about encountering a famous figure in public. It must be quite nice to have all these connections.  |
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Post by flossieskid on Dec 17, 2021 6:34:16 GMT -5
It was great to read all the interesting replies to acreage and working celebrities. I never told Jeff this, but like many of you, I have never seen an episode of “Survivor”. Eating bugs for protein, surviving sunburn and mosquitoes, doing dumb contests and trying all the while to kick someone, who thought you were a friend, off what ever exotic island they are filming on that season is not my idea of fun! I only heard about how the game is designed and played after Nikki explained it. This was also her first season watching it.
Our son, Ryan, has a friend who worked in production on “Survivor”and, of course Jeff and all the other producers enjoy the 5 Star Hotels nearby while the contestants suffer by themselves on the island! I guess the winner gets a LOT of moola, so I guess possible heat stroke and 2nd degree sunburns are worth the big payoff!
I do want to clarify that I certainly don’t think most celebrities are aloof or uncaring. But, sadly, in my many years of being around good old character actors, as well as, major celebrities, I can state ABSOLUTELY CATEGORICALLY that most actors respond with the same attitude and respect a fan shows them.
Of course actors would not have the type of success they do without the support and admiration of their throngs of fans. But, I will give you a few examples that will illustrate the type of “entitled, rabid fan” that does exist and may cause a celebrity or successful actor to become less enthralled with a fan’s attention.
When I lived across the street from Michael J. Fox, I had backed down our hill and as I was straightening my car out to leave our street, I saw a middle-aged woman who was trying to hoist her young daughter (I assumed she was about 10 or 12) OVER Michael’s wall to try to get onto his property - for what, I could not imagine! Michael wasn’t home. I stopped my car, rolled down the window and yelled to her, “Ma’am , I certainly wouldn’t do that. First of all, it is trespassing, but the owner has a rather unfriendly pit bull who does not like strangers!” All true statements. The woman turned to face me, while still trying to get her daughter over the wall, and yelled, “Hurry up honey before this b*^ch calls the cops!” I drive away, disgusted and called Michael’s assistant to let her know what was happening and she told me she would handle it. Unbelievable!
Another time, I was backing down our hill and Nikki who was 12 at the time and, had never told a soul, including her best friends, that Michael J.Fox lived across the street was looking behind us and screamed: “Mom, STOP THE CAR!!” I screeched on the brakes, trying to stop a downward moving car, going down a hill to avoid the 2 adults and 2 teenagers standing directly in the middle of my driveway with a camcorder pointed directly across the street into Michael’s living room. A near death collision did not deter them. I bolted out of my car and yelled, “What the hell are you doing in the middle of my driveway? I could have hit you and you all could have been really badly injured!” The father slowly lowered the movie camera and said, somewhat disgustedly, “I heard Michael J.Fox lives across the street and we wanted a movie of him.” THE NERVE!!
The fact that I was raised a polite Catholic girl flew completely out the window and I yelled - not screamed back at them! Sister Sean Kelly would be twirling in her grave if she heard the unladylike language I started to hurl back at him! But, I simply snarled “No, Michael and his family moved back east months ago!” That wasn’t quite true, but they were planning on doing it soon, so it was a 1/2 truth. I don’t think I would have to even mention it in confession, right? I continued, “Now please remove yourself from my driveway so I can get my car down to the street.” They did not jump into action, but slowly wandered down to the bottom of our driveway and got in their car and left. I was furious because I very nearly ran into them and I am sure I would have been the one who got sued!
Another time, I was with a celebrity client of mine and we had just come out of a local restaurant when 2 young adult fans rushed up to him. This was before selfies, so one just yelled, “Hey, I know who you are. I want your autograph!” They basically “demanded” the signature, had not asked politely and then the kicker was they didn’t have a piece of paper or a pen. One of them actually said, ”Can you just rip off a piece of your script or give me something else to write on? Oh, also do you have a pen?” I realize seeing a celebrity unexpectedly can sometimes cause people’s brain to freeze, but such an encounter should never zap out all one’s manners!
It wouldn’t be so upsetting if these were isolated cases. Sadly, I have tons more examples of rude and unpleasant encounters with “entitled” admirers. Actors surely care for their fans, but when these things happen, the sense of entitlement of fans seems to be the biggest turn off for many celebrities. For example, if some neighborhood kids had seen Jeff Probst and son working in their yard and then they called their friends, who called more friends and the word got out where Jeff lived, then he might not be able to feel just like a regular guy doing normal stuff with his family. I know it can be a delicate balance.
But, I do admit, that entitlement can sometimes go both ways. I know, for a fact, there are rude, insensitive actors (and their family members ) who treat fans and just plain people poorly. I will post a story another time that will illustrate that fact quite clearly and involves the wife (also a neighbor) of a former prominent TV star of 2 very successful series.
One place where true, impressive respect and courteousness abounds is in all the Walton fans. I know that to be true from my own personal interaction with them and my Mom - and in all the wonderful people I have met through the Forum - and also in the stories I will share soon of Mike McGreevey’s visit to John & Olivia’s BnB last month. I will leave you with that tantalizing morsel for my next thread……
But, until then can someone PLEASE tell me where ANYONE can find 10 acres of inhabitable land in California that doesn’t require a mask and a gun ?!?!?- I’m am sooo there!! Will they take a check??!?!
Until next time…..
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Post by Easton on Dec 17, 2021 10:12:50 GMT -5
But, I do admit, that entitlement can sometimes go both ways. I know, for a fact, there are rude, insensitive actors (and their family members ) who treat fans and just plain people poorly. I will post a story another time that will illustrate that fact quite clearly and involves the wife (also a neighbor) of a former prominent TV star of 2 very successful series. I don't know how much news out of Canada makes its way south across the border or to Europe, but here is a little news item from a few years ago featuring Justin Bieber.
Eight years ago, Justin was in Toronto for some event or another and was photographed leaning over the railing of his hotel balcony spitting on the crowds of fans below. His publicist released statements to the American media that there were no crowds of fans below them, even though Justin posted video of them.
And here is the difference between the Canadian Justin Bieber and the American Justin Bieber. One of these things is not like the other.
(In the left photo, Justin is meeting former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper. In the right photo, of course, is Barack Obama.)
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Post by patriciaanne on Dec 17, 2021 17:08:56 GMT -5
flossieskid Tracey, that sounds just awful!! For the record, I would NEVER want to be a celebrity. To have that kind of attention from strangers is absolutely horrifying. I don't take well to people trespassing on my property. I shudder to think of the trouble I would get myself into if I had to contend with that. 😱 I think everyone is entitled to time off. I would never approach a celebrity and ask for anything from them if they were out to dinner or with their family. In fact, that's probably true for all circumstances other than fan events or at the stage door. So I have to ask -- did you get to see Michael often!
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Post by isumpin on Dec 17, 2021 18:46:15 GMT -5
I always thought all the Walton cast would probably have done the same. But, secondly, I admit that I must be a relic when it comes to new fancy ways fans can hear from their favorite star. I guess the old motto is true: "You are never too old to learn new things!!" I can say for certain the Waltons cast does. I know from personal experience that David Harper goes the extra mile when he didn't have to. And I am sure all the others do also. But fans must mind their manners. I did enjoy your stories about your neighbors I love anytime you post it's always interesting. ❤ |
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Post by Easton on Dec 17, 2021 19:35:29 GMT -5
A thought about the mother and child trying to go 'over the wall'. Does anyone remember whose wall Ethel helped Lucy to climb over so she could steal oranges? I keep thinking it's Jack Benny for some reason. "Oh, Rochester..."
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Post by ellaroo on Dec 17, 2021 20:44:25 GMT -5
Of course actors would not have the type of success they do without the support and admiration of their throngs of fans. But, I will give you a few examples that will illustrate the type of “entitled, rabid fan” that does exist and may cause a celebrity or successful actor to become less enthralled with a fan’s attention. Your story about the mother and daughter breaking into Michael's property without his knowledge reminded me of some YouTube stars or even regular celebrities who've unfortunately been stalked or harrassed by fans. It's dissappointing how people dismiss it as overreacting or not being generous enough to fans  There were these YouTube stars whose lost their dads (both at different times of the year) and fans had the nerve to invite themselves to the funerals just so they could meet their idols and get selfies. Pretty insensitive if you ask me. |
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Post by flossieskid on Dec 18, 2021 3:15:31 GMT -5
Yes, PatriciaAnne, I was lucky enough to see Michael quite a bit. He lived directly across the street and both our houses are up a small driveway so we could see onto each other’s front drive.
The first time Michael was nominated for an Emmy, I was unloading some groceries, and I heard him yell from the patio outside his bedroom which faced my house, “Hey, Tracey, I’m going to my first Emmy show tonight. Woo-Hoo!!” Not sure that wasn’t some pre-award imbibing giving him the courage to scream his greeting, but I yelled back , “And I know you are going to win. Good luck!” He yelled back his thanks and proceeded down to the stretch limo parked precariously on his hilly driveway.
I was working on Paramount’s lot when he was shooting “Family Ties” and we would run into each other on the lot or the dining room. But, the first time he saw me he froze like, “Was I meeting Tracey here for something?!? What the heck is my neighbor doing here?” He
didn’t know I worked on the lot and then I explained my job situation.
We’d pass each other on our street in our cars and wave or see each other getting our mail at the bottom of our hills and we’d chat. He was one of the NICEST people I had ever met - very down to earth, funny, polite - he was raised well. A shout out to Easton - he made Canada proud, for sure! It crushed me to hear about his Parkinson’s disease. But, he and his wife had moved back east by that time.
They settled in a beautiful apartment on Central Park West - the Bel Air of NY. He asked us to write him a letter of recommendation to the Condo board to submit with his application. Plus, during his time here, we had to take care of his Dalmatian when he (the dog, not Michael!) jumped the fence when he (Michael, not the dog!) was in Thailand shooting a movie. Michael’s “Thank yous” were epic!
But, I have to leave a few stories of surprise for my book….
Also, Easton, I am almost sure the house Lucy and Ethel were trying to scale was William Holden’s. Because didn’t he recognize her in his
yard and then when she saw him in a restaurant, she put putty on her nose, wore glasses and a scarf so he wouldn’t know it was her.
But, then when she lit her cigarette her nose caught fire?? I think that was the episode. Might have been Richard Widmark, but think it was Mr. Holden.
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Post by Easton on Dec 18, 2021 9:02:30 GMT -5
^ William Holden! Of course! And I had forgot about her setting her nose on fire. Comedy gold.
And thanks for your kind comments about Michael. We're prouder of Michael than any other Canadian export to the US. For me, prouder even than Alex Trebek. (And I sincerely offer my apologies for William Shatner. We... STILL reGRET... the... TORture... we... inFLICTed upon... our... FRIENDS to the... SOUTH.)
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