Searching for authenticity in Hollywood may be like searching for a needle in a haystack these days. Today consumers are tired of celebrities looking for a free ride while contributing nothing to the greater good of society. Meaning its not enough for a celebrity to look HOT, SEXY or GORGEOUS in the age of social media. Social media has changed our culture and celebrities trying to sell a film or television show? Need to care about someone other than themselves and be authentic and sincere while doing it. Is this asking to much?
Beauty Is Only Skin Deep:
Beauty Is Only Skin Deep- Definition from http://www.dictionary.com:
“Something that you say which means a person’s character is more important than their appearance.”
Recently Star[1] put out a rather scathing list from a poll of The Most Hated Celebrities in Hollywood. Some of the behavioral traits that landed these celebrities on this list were.
– Bragging
– Entitlement
– False Modesty
– Pretentiousness
– Laziness
Gwyneth Paltrow was named People Magazines World’s Most Beautiful Woman and after appearing on Jay Leno (while promoting Iron Man 3) she got countless negative comments about her bragging. Here are some comments made about Gwyneth Paltrow on the dailymail.co.uk.[2]
“There is nothing beautiful about a woman who uses the F word or shows her backside in public. All these show business people are such phonies. They will do anything to get the publicity for which they constantly crave.”
– Des, Liverpool, 27/4/2013 20:15
“She is boring and should perhaps focus on time with her children…. work with animal rescues. Battersea shelter is not far from you, go do something useful other than talk about yourself. You are losing the few public fans you have.”
– Lily, LondonandNYC, United States, 28/4/2013 01:51
Does overselling oneself or bragging work against celebrities when promoting a film? According to an article in Psychology Today “Bragging-When is it OK and When is it Not OK?” The old saying “let other’s do your bragging for you” still holds true today.
“Almost no one likes a show-off but almost everyone likes to show off, at least a little. Some showing off happens by accident and some in a deliberate attempt to manipulate others. In either case, though, you run the risk of looking a bit too satisfied with yourself if not downright conceited.
The best way to brag about yourself to others is probably not to brag at all. Let other people do the bragging for you.[3]”
Social Media has changed our culture and transformed our world. Here are 10 ways social media has changed us according to an article “Ways Social Media is Changing Our Culture” from blogsite www.jeffbulas.com.
1. Challenging the Status Quo
2. Changed by Exposure to Diversity
3. Support is Now Visible
4. Learn More from Each Other
5. Crowd Sourced Wisdom
6. Creativity and Inspiration is Unleashed
7. Increased Appreciation of the Unique and Handmade
8. Truth is Exposed
9. We are More Authentic
10. Anyone can Contribute
Public figures can no longer hide their true identity and or negative behavioral traits in the age of social media. Why? Because people can dissect and deconstruct a person in the court of popular opinion making short comings or negative behavioral traits stand out like a sore thumb. Revisiting the article from Psychology Today on bragging it states,
“The social norms of bragging refer to the fact that our culture expects people to be modest. People who aren’t modest violate those expectations. There is also a practical side to this social norm. Impression management is all about leading others to view you favorably. If they think you’re trying too hard, they’ll be turned off and you’ll achieve exactly the opposite of your desired impact on others. This is especially true if the qualities you’re showing off aren’t the ones that interest the other person.”
How can celebrities promote themselves and avoid being overly conceited? What are some behavioral traits you find attractive? Is it possible for a celebrity to be authentic in Hollywood?
comicreleaf
comicrelief2
Comic Relief
parisienne
littlebells
Lurker
ozzie20
Open Book
LIH
linkedinhollywood.com 
Great article and research. I’ve actually never been a big fan of Gwyneth and lately with her being in the media so much, it’s made it worse. Between her clothes line, diet, discussion on plastic surgery, and what not, I’m kinda meh about her. I have nothing against her personally, but I sometimes get the impression of her coming across as a snob.
I did not watch her on the late night talk show, but it sounds like something I might be interested in viewing for mere observation.
Why do you think society is finding these celebrities worth hating (bragging, entitlement, laziness, false modesty) when it seems society has largely become the same way? Or is it just the older generations that feel this way? The younger generations definitely exhibit these qualities and it’s annoying as hell.
one of the commentors from the most hated celebs article said
“The guy who repeatedly beat his girlfriend is no 20. Meanwhile, the 21yr old who made a common mistake is no 2… This is SHAMEFUL. But then again, so is this entire article.”
I’m not disagreeing, but I’m pretty sure she is hated for other reasons than a COMMON MISTAKE. I’m sorry, but cheating with a married man and then looking his wife in the eye and acting like nothing is going on is a COMMON MISTAKE??? K, just venting…done.
I’m not a fan of Gweneth, Kristin, etc.
Though I did respect Reese (who will likely make this list). And shallow as the premise was the “Legally Blonde” franchise was impressive for a woman. I can’t tell you how many roles she has done that I’m impressed with. Honestly she was one of the most impressive actresses of her generation. Adding to the her Oscar, that record is hard to forget.
The statements she made during her arrest are a completely different story.
CR-I think its a further reminder people have a low tolerance for seeing or even endorsing reckless and ugly behavior.
Why do u think society expect more from women when it comes to refraining from infidelity and drinking?
Honestly, I can’t imagine what pit someone would need to crawl out of to say many of the things attributed to Reese’s arrest. Actually it’s kind of scary how anti-social those statements sound.
In all honesty I think women consumers need to support empowering roles for leading actresses so women like Gwyneth, don’t need to overcompensate and show there is more to them than looks. Its wrong women feel they need to promote a film half naked to stay competitive. Now don’t get me wrong I think some actresses do promote sexist stereotypes deliberately to divert attention. I guess as consumers we need to support and advocate for empowering roles for women so female actors don’t have to resort to the typical sexist stereotypes to sell a film. Does that make sense?
“Why do you think society is finding these celebrities worth hating (bragging, entitlement, laziness, false modesty) when it seems society has largely become the same way? Or is it just the older generations that feel this way?”
Hi LB- Good Q. I think society hates to be reminded of their worst behavior. Plus there is a low tolerance for watching people who squander away opportunities IMO.
and money. I was just thinking how so many of us are struggling in this economy. We are busting our bums trying to make ends meet and have had to cut out the “luxurious” things in our life. And by luxurious, it could be a movie night every week or just a simple splurge. When we see celebrities that act like complete a-holes spend mass amounts of money on vacations, weddings, baby showers, cars, etc…it takes it’s toll.
I also agree with you about society not seeing their worst behavior. it’s hard not to be hypocritical sometimes.
and in the same vein, celebrities who can’t even take a shower or present themselves in a hygenic manner…come on. There are plenty of people in dire need who still try to look clean and presentable.
Hi LB- How are u?
ITA. I know money is a huge factor. I also believe people want to see those who inspire them to be a better person. And I don’t mean someone showing up trying to be a dictator or looking down on others. I’m talking about someone who is challenging themselves.
OB,
Great article, this is another tough topic.
I know I’ve mentioned him before, yet supporting actor Danny Trejo frequently gets cast as a bad guy because he “appears” to be a thug. Too bad his case sounds so opposite of a lot of people on the lists you mentioned.
I love DDL and DT. They come across as very humble. Humility goes a loooong way.
YEP! I CONCUR!
One of Danny’s Trejo’s charities,…
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.229531173753760.59867.210831538957057
OB,
I’m fairly sure that integrity is a fairly hard thing to produce on the fly or in the moment.
As acting celebrities go, they rarely play themselves. And they, as lead actors, are rarely hired to play deplorable people.
Daniel-Day Lewis is an exception.
Javier Bardem is another unusual example.
How does an actor amass this “authenticity” when so few are required to exhibit these traits in their professional or personal lives?
OB,
I know a lot of these celebrity men and women may have a hard time substantiating that their social responsibility equals their popularity. Do you think this is fair?
Though Paltrow may have sounded less than gracious on Late Night but what do you think of celebrities who are frequently skewered in the press.
No I don’t but again people really don’t want to endorse people who they feel don’t contribute to the greater good of society. Essentially, people want to know celebrities have to work just as hard as they do and aren’t a drain on society. No free rides.
If your goal was to amass huge audiences to view your work how do you possibly sustain authentic modesty when it is rarely respected in the media?
Isn’t it true that celebrities who get the most attention are rarely the best in their fields?
Gosh good Q. Hmm! Let me think and come back..
CR,
I think those who have true, authentic modesty don’t give a crap what the media thinks. 🙂
LOL!!!
“Isn’t it true that celebrities who get the most attention are rarely the best in their fields?”
Yes, again I think it goes back to focusing on your craft, observing, reflecting etc… Anyway, it really does make a difference.
Hi everyone!
Hi LB!
This is for anyone: do you think there is a difference in acting chops when it’s between an actor who has a large ego or one who is more humble?
Good Q. I think actors who are more humble are way better actors because they are more reflective and observant and can really tap into authentic emotions. Does that make sense?
Furthermore an actor with a large egos is less empathetic.
and very high maintenance. hahaha!
Yes it makes sense and I agree with your assessment. I’ve never felt Meryl Streep was an actor of huge ego. Quite the opposite and that woman can ACT!
YEP!
Everyone- I have to go. Thanks for the great questions and answers I always learn so much from u. TC!