My Pen Is Mighty

Should You Approach Celebrities At Restaurants?

The rules of engagement with famous people are not that complicated, but know when to give them space.

Will Smith takes a picture with a fan. Note that he is at a promotional event and not at a more intimate family dinner. Image: Getty

Them: If Idris Elba was seated next to your table at a restaurant, what would you do?

Me: I’d have to tranquilize myself so I wouldn’t bother him.

You think I’m kidding? I most certainly am not. Celebrities deserve to be able to eat in peace at restaurants without worrying about fans clamoring for photos, autographs, a kiss, or conversation. They owe us nothing.

Way too many times I’ve read posts on social media from people complaining about so and so was rude to them “when all they wanted to do was get a photo,” and it’s just not cool. I’ve also heard stories about parents trying to guilt famous people into signing an autograph for their kid, yet they were denied because that person was eating dinner.

People get upset when they’re shooed away, but they have no idea what’s going on at that table. There could be a major breakup going on. Or a business dinner. Or that celebrity could have just been delivered some very bad news of death of a loved one. Even simpler, that person could just be in a foul mood and doesn’t want to be bothered…