Would you want to be famous? Why would someone want to be?

[Dirtywellieseverywhere]

I would hate to be famous I think, especially now with the internet trolls etc, the lack of privacy.
I would like the money, but not to be famous.

Is there something about people who become famous/want to be famous? Why do they feel the need?

I'm with you.

I can't think of anything worse.

Absolutely not. Wouldn't mind being fabulously wealthy, though!

Definitely not, I’m an introvert but even without that I can’t think of much worse.

I would hate it.

I won't buy an omaze ticket because of the publicity requirements for winners

Money-yes, fame-no.

Some people want to be famous for its own sake (apart from the money) because they have shit self-esteem and seek external instead of internal validation.

I think a lot of people who seek fame are trying to fill some kind of emotional void. And they see the attention, freebies etc and think it’s attractive (in fairness the freebies certainly are ).

But I agree in this day and age you know what you’re getting yourself in for in terms of the relentless attention so I don’t have much sympathy for people who complain about it. It’s different if you’re like Judi Dench who began her career in a different century or you were born into it and pimped out by your parents and had no choice.

Validation of your ego.
If everyone knows who you are you are worth more. Few people are famous so therefore you are special.

I’d only want to be famous for the money that comes with it. Must be nice not having to worry about rent, utility bills, food shopping, etc. I’d love that sort of financial freedom.

It’s interesting to think about what kind of person needs that and craves that

It would be my worst nightmare, I wouldn't mind being a successful author writing under a pen name but nothing where people would recognise me in the street.

I’d love the money, the high end life style and jetting off to wherever I want - but definitely wouldn’t want to be “known” or recognised or fame where I’m in public domain.

I’d like to be well known for doing something brilliantly but in a low key area – writing, opera/theatre, design. So I guess people know my name but not ‘me’. Something like that. And have the money associated with it.

I would HATE it. I value my anonymity and being able to blend in. Complete introvert and wouldn't like the lime light.

Surely there must be people, actors for example, for whom the art of acting is the main driver, just as others have a passion to be a doctor or teacher or lawyer. They probably just want to portray their acting skill and are less bothered about being recognisable.

The famous for five minutes ones though- no. They go out of their way to get themselves on reality shows, just to become a household name. Nothing to recommend them, other than having a face and body that people can ogle and probably one that’s had ‘work’.

This. I’d love to create something and get recognition for it, but the other aspects of fame don’t appeal to me at all. They did when I was a teenager, but I don’t think I’d thought it through.

Me too!

Like Harper Lee.

I did when I was young.

If I'd been able to sing etc I'd have tried one of those shows.

I suppose I wanted the love & attention I never got from family.

I'd have been a train wreck 😢

Craving fame and recognition can be a response to childhood trauma. I’m thinking particularly about the wonderful comic genius Matthew Perry and everything he put himself through because of his experiences having one parent in Canada and the other in the US and flying solo between the two as a very small child.

I think the worst thing about being even moderately well known is that people think they can criticise you on SM etc, in a way they wouldn’t dream of doing to others. Eg, people think nothing of posting about how rubbish they thought an actor was on a TV programme etc. Those people are doing their job and are human beings with feelings. How would anyone else feel if they saw complete strangers posting online about how ‘rubbish’ they thought they were at their jobs?

I wouldn’t now, because I’m old and wise but when I was a teenager I wanted to be famous. I think it was because I wasn’t noticed at school and I felt that having attention from people for being cool/pretty/talented would feel amazing. I didn’t think about the negative sides. I just thought I’d get cool clothes and get to go out with cute boys!

The idea of it now horrifies me.

Agreed, reminds me of this (will only make sense to Buffy fans)

Some people confuse fame with being well liked

100% agree, OP.

In fact I would not even want to be followed by anyone famous, even if I knew them!

Yep!