I am a bit hesitant of using the world "celebrity" because, as you know, most celebrities are just like you and me. Normal people, living somewhat normal lives. These people just happen to be in the public spotlight. In a blog entry I wrote about how I collect celebrity autographs. Many asked for advice in this matter. Here is how I do it.
"Autograph refers to a person's signature. This term is used in particular for the practice of collecting autographs of celebrities. The hobby of collecting autographs is known as philography."You need to understand...
Some celebrities (oh no, I guess I have to use that word afterall) do not reply to fanmail at all. This is not because they are stuck up snobs who don't care about their fans. Celebrities who are down to earth, so down to earth as a matter of fact, that they want nothing to do with the public spotlight - other than making a living by doing what they love (acting, singing) - don't want to support the obsessive "fandom". They just want to live their lives - not trying to be god-like.
Some celebrities (or their assistants as a matter of fact) send you a photocopy of a signed autograph. This is a really nice gesture on their part - but be sure to notice that this autograph is not "worth" much. You can tell if the autograph is a photocopy by looking if the penmark is totally flat.
Similar to a photocopy are autopen autographs. An autopen machine is a machine that duplicates a person's autograph. It is somewhat difficult to see which autograph is an autopen autograph and which is the real deal. Usually autopen signatures are very thin.
If you get the real deal - a real autograph, possibly even signed for YOU by name, you are very lucky!
My CollectionI started this "hobby" in 2007 when the last of my penpals had "broken up" with me and I was completely missing those days of writing handwritten letters and receiving surprise mail every now and then. My intention is NOT to collect as many celebrity autographs as possible. My intention is to target those wonderful human beings who, I feel, have made a difference in my life. Whose movies and music have had a great part during hard times or happy moments. In my letters to them I often state my deepest gratitude towards their work of art - on whatever field. If I happen to get an autograph back, I am over the moon about it. If not, I understand. These people have lives. I respect that.
A glimpse of my tiny autograph collection
My beloved autographs (and what I mostly remember them from)
- Ewan McGregor, actor - Moulin Rouge
- Hugh Laurie, actor - House M.D
- Roger Waters, musician - Pink Floyd
- Sir Ian McKellen, actor - Lord of The Rings
- Jared Padalecki, actor - Gilmore Girls
- Mark Wahlberg, actor - The Perfect Storm
- Tim Allen, actor - Santa Clause
- Robert Pattinson, actor - Twilight
- Dan Aykroyd, actor - The Blues Brothers
- Robin Williams, actor - Good Will Hunting
- John Travolta, actor - Saturday Night Fever
- Search for a celebrity address http://www.fanmail.biz/
- Write a letter (be polite, don't just bluntly ask for an autograph)
- Include an envelope with your name/address written on it (so they don't have to write it)
- Include an International Reply Coupon* (or stamps - if you live in the same country as the person you are writing to, so they don't have to pay for it)
- You may include a magazine clip/picture of the star - but they usually have their own photocards which they sign and send to you
- Send the letter! (+extra envelope with your name, and an IRL* or stamps)
*IRL=international reply coupons can be bought at Post Offices all over the world. The star/assistant can then in their own country exchange the coupon for some stamps.