Many people are fascinated with the notion of 'celebrity.' Despite how much folks deny they couldn't care less about famous people, tabloids still sell. There is a fascination with celebrity gossip. Stars' opinions, what they're wearing, where they vacation, how they stay looking young, their cosmetic procedures, diet tips, wardrobes, and so much more are favorite topics. Reading about divorces and falls from grace are big on the list, too. Fans want to see what actors, musicians, fashion designers, and sports pros are doing. Why? Because it's a way to escape from the harshness of reality. And observe the rich and glamorous have problems like us.

Stars seem larger than life. But it's easy to forget that celebrities are people, just like you and me. When I lived in LA or the NYC vicinity, it was easier to spot a celeb just running around town. One of my best and oldest friends told me she was with her husband in a Manhattan restaurant a few years ago in the West Village and spotted Robert DeNiro sitting at a table with his then-wife Grace Hightower. They were sitting at a closeby table, and she recognized his unmistakable voice, verified by the server calling him, "Mr. De Niro." She told me she never felt so excited by any celebrity sighting, being a major De Niro fan---as I am! Her husband stopped her from getting up to ask for an autograph, advising, "Let them eat their dinner in peace." You know what, he was right. It would take a lot for me not to approach the actor, even for a quick hello and to ask for his autograph. But I agree that it's not the right thing to do--so I would stop myself. Even though he is an international megastar, Robert De Niro has every right to enjoy a quiet meal undisturbed in a restaurant.
Celebrities understand that the price of fame comes with caveats. They get lots of perks plus adoration-- and make more money than most of us see.

I've had a few brushes with famous people that were pleasant, for the most part. I met Patrick Simmons of the Doobie Brothers years ago and he was nice and humble. A quick encounter with Mick Jagger at Madison Square Garden, where a friend was a photographer, proved to be very positive: he was down to earth. Sally Struthers was the sweetest woman ever-I talked to her at a CBS taping. It shocked me she was genuinely interested in my reporting job. I even met the legendary Paul Newman at a movie premiere--what a lovely and very modest man. There were a couple of encounters I had with celebrities who were simply arrogant. But I won't name them because I'm in a generous mood and focusing on the positive. It's up to each person to decide how to tackle any brushes with fame. 

If you run into a celebrity any time soon, Wiki has common sense advice.