Living in the small city of Amsterdam, it is easy to bump into a local celebrity at any time and any place. It's a bit different here compared to the United States as celebrities can go about their business without screaming fans and the obligation to sign autographs. I am sure celebrities like their privacy but still enjoy being recognized occasionally. I am most certainly not a celebrity watcher, but sometimes I meet celebrities when I least expect it.
It was a hot summer’s day when I went with my children and their visiting friends for ice cream. We went to Venetie Ijs - an “old fashioned Italian parlor”. It’s the place to go for the ultimate gelato experience. Whilst approaching the parlor – we wondered what was happening as there was a crowd outside which stretched to the neighboring store. You will not believe; it was simply people waiting their turn. We saw a few neighbors and many cars badly parked whilst their drivers waited to buy this delicious frozen treat. We were not in a hurry, so we sat on the terrace watching and waiting instead of standing in line. Soon we could stand inside the parlor but we still needed to be patient- the parlor was full with people.
Almost immediately, I notice that my son was smiling. I was not sure why he was smiling at me, but I thought he was just being mischievous. When I saw my children whispering with their friends, I realized the smiles were not for me. They were staring and smiling at the man beside me. He smiled back at them, then at me. I smiled back. I looked around and indeed it was clear that many people recognized this man. All seemed to be looking in his direction. I was not sure who he was. The man purchased his ice-cream and left. No one spoke to him – there were only smiles. My aspiring footballer son eagerly told me that it was Virgil van Dijk – the $80 million defender. It was great that no one bothered him. He could buy his ice cream in peace and depart.
Things were a bit different many moons ago when I lived in New York City. I was on a local train traveling home from the beautifully green Westchester County. I boarded the train in Katonah and sat at the first set of seats by the door. I slid over to the window to enjoy the green trees that shimmered in the sunlight as the train passed by. At the next stop, Bedford Hills, a tall handsome man came on the train. He smiled and nodded in a polite manner as he sat right across from me. It was nice to see that chivalry still existed. I smiled back acknowledging his greeting. The man was dressed casually – jeans and a T-shirt. I thought that I recognized him but was not sure. I looked at him quizzically trying to figure out where I could have met him. He caught me staring and smiled again. I smiled back but immediately looked out the window as I felt somewhat self-conscious. As the train approached the next stop, I decided that I would ask him whether we had met before because he looked familiar. After all he was also looking at me as well. In that moment, the train doors opened and a group of teenagers stepped in. They immediately screamed out,
“Superman!!!”
The teenagers could not linger too long as the jarring motion of the train forced them to take seats.
Oh, my goodness. It was indeed Superman - Christopher Reeve. I looked at him with somewhat startled and embarrassed eyes. Of course, I knew him but only from the “silver screens”. My thoughts must have shown on my face. He smiled again – I smiled back. Soon he was rising as we approached the next stop. He said goodbye. The teenaged fans did not miss this opportunity, and almost in unison they said,
“Goodbye Superman, we love you Superman!!”
He waved and alighted the train. I was happy that I didn’t get a chance to ask him whether we knew each other. I found my own thoughts totally hilarious. However, I felt that had we spoken he would have thought it was funny. We could have had a good laugh at my question. He seemed so kind.
There were no smiles when I met Alec Baldwin. I was young and working part time at a well-known men’s store called A.T. Harris Formalwear Ltd. It was in existence since 1892. It was famous for outfitting presidents, kings and many rich and famous people. The small store was located in mid-town Manhattan but many made the trip to get measured and outfitted in the store. Some immortalize their visits by sending an autographed photo or letter afterwards which told of their visit and experience. These memorabilia hung proudly on the walls of the store.
Alec Baldwin was premiering “The Hunt for Red October” at the time. He walked into the store with an entourage of bodyguards. They approached me at the front desk and I smiled and said as was customary,
“Good afternoon gentlemen, do you happen to have an appointment?”
It was a standard question to keep order in this proud establishment although no one was ever turned away. Anticipating a yes response, I started to look down towards the appointment book. No one responded so I looked up again. If looks could killed I would not be here to tell this tale. Alec was clearly annoyed – he walked away without saying a word. He went towards the front of the store where the male tailors were waiting to assist. One of the bodyguards reprimanded me by sternly saying,
“Don’t you know who he is?!”
It sounded like a rhetorical question which should’ve scolded me into silence for asking such a trite question.
I answered nevertheless,
“No, I don’t”.
The bodyguard who spoke looked at me horrified. Then he also walked away. The remaining guards stayed by the door. It seemed ridiculous to me that my question and the ensuing reaction cause them to be so upset.
Some minutes later a female colleague heard that Mr. Baldwin was in our midst. She scurried to the front of the store to excitedly dote over him. She was quite giddy as she showered him with adoration. After Alec Baldwin and his entourage departed, I was even chided by her for not knowing him. I told her tongue-in-cheekedly that I would get up to date at some point. Subsequently, I accompanied her to see his famous movie. I enjoyed it despite our interesting meeting. I will never forget him nor our encounter although I do know that everyone can have bad days sometimes.
From my story could you easily tell which 2 scenarios were the truth and which was the lie?
The first story is not true.
The photo is my own - take with my iPhone SE 2020