Earlier this week, I was sitting with my friend Bill poolside in Las Vegas.? (For the record, there are few things I like less than pools, but unfortunately there are few things my kids like more.)
Bill recognized an older gentleman sitting nearby and said to him, “I’m a big fan of your work.”
The man nodded and quietly thanked him.
The gentleman was Ron Popeil, who amassed a fortune by bringing the “pitchman” style to TV, direct-selling products like the Veg-O-Matic, Mr. Microphone, and the Ronco Food Dehydrator to a nation of consumers hungry to slice, dice, and, apparently, extract moisture from five trays’ worth of fruit.
As we walked away, Bill said, “That was so lame — I should’ve said something better.”
That got us thinking … what do you say to a celebrity??? I think the right answer is to say nothing at all and pretend you don’t recognize him.?? Others I’ve talked to disagree.
We haven’t done a giveaway in a while so for some Freakonomics schwag, what would you have said to Ron Popeil?
I’ll pick my favorite answer among those posted in the first 24 hours.
P.S.? If you were going to submit “Is that a Pocket Fisherman in your Speedo, or are you just happy to see me?,” my sister Linda beat you to it.
Addendum: You can see the contest’s winner?here.
and 
. You can also watch it on 
Catchin’ anything?
I’d say: “Hey you’re on TV right? Aren’t you Billy Mays?”
I’d say: “Hey you’re on TV right? Aren’t you Billy Mays?”
What would you say to a non-celebrity?
Does the celebrity appear to want to engage? I was recently on Martha’s Vineyard, where I say a recognizable celebrity, enjoying a take out meal with his wife and son. He was not seeking the limelight, so my wife and I smiled and let him enjoy some family time.
Point is, what do you really want to get out of the interaction? Let the celebrity know you’re a fan? If so, then Bill did exactly the right thing. Get a free Veg-O-Matic? Probably requires a different approach… Engage in a conversation? In this case, to my lead question, ask how would you engage in a conversation with a non-celebrity, and you have your answer.
“Lindsay, what a lovely ankle bracelet.”
In NYC once, while waiting to cross an avenue, I heard a voice I recognized and turned to find Spike Lee crossing the street towards me, talking on his phone. He made eye contact, I nodded my head to him, he nodded his head to me, and we both moved on with our lives.
It was perfect. Without words I communicated my respect and was acknowledged.
“hey! You’re Ron Popeil! Are those great abs a result of the ab-tronic, the ab-shaper, the ab-inator or just good genes?”
“I’ve purchased all of your products.”