You need to cut them some slack. I'm getting the sense from some of the posts in this thread, that a few people seem to thing that Celebs owe them something.
In general, I agree -- especially on the "Yeah, you really don't know ME, you know [character(s) I played]." But there is something to be said for appreciating the people who have gotten you to where you are. Not that that takes away from any accomplishments you as an actor may have had on your own, nor to diminish your own talent, drive, determination, etc. But you can be as driven as you want, and if the fans -- you know, the people buying the tickets -- don't care....well, that's all she wrote.
There's a balance with fans and especially the hardcore fans who go to cons. You've got to figure that the fans at cons are the most intense fans, the ones who'll drop good coin to see you and will pay to have just a brief, momentary encounter with you even in a commercialized setting. Under those circumstances -- tedious though they may be -- I'd figure you treat it like it's your frickin' JOB to smile and make sure everyone walks away feeling upbeat and happy. I mean, these are the people who help put bread on your table, the diehards who'll ALWAYS go see your new show (well -- maybe), and the ones who are forking over $X for an autographed whatever and a picture plus two minutes of your time. Ergo, it's worthwhile to put on a happy face and chat people up. That's what you're there for, that's what they're PAYING you for.
Now, all that said, I can still see where the con environment is highly impersonal, and could be a rather grueling experience especially for someone unprepared for it. So, I can understand the occasional celebrity snit or being short with someone. What I DON'T get, however, is why you'd CONTINUE to do that stuff if you hate it.
Like, Julie Benz. I've heard from multiple people that she's a complete jerk at cons. I have no idea what she's like aside from that, but every story I've heard about her at cons on here has been that she's cold or rude or feels like she's being burdened with this crap. Well hey, sister, STOP DOING CONS if you hate it so much. If cons and rubbing elbows with the unwashed masses gives you such a headache, just....don't do it. Nobody's forcing you. But don't do it -- especially when you know what it entails -- and THEN act like a ******* AND expect people to shell out cash.
Now, Ms. Benz may be a sweetheart outside of the con environment. She might be all peaches and cream in any other setting. I have absolutely no idea. But I don't get why she or anyone else would continue to do cons AND be brusque with the fans while doing it. If you're gonna do it, put on your happy face and do it for real. Hey, you're an actor anyway. ACT like you're having fun.
