Print Close

You’re face-to-face with your favorite celeb – what do you do? Scream? Faint? Point and stare? Plan ahead, and you’ll handle it like a star.

• 

  Step 1: Get a heads-up

  Increase your odds of seeing a celebrity by checking celebrity-sighting websites. You’ll learn where they like to hang out, and might even get a heads-up about where a favorite star is right now.

• 

  Step 2: Remain calm

  When you see a celeb, don’t freak out! The goal is to stay cool so you can stick around and observe as long as possible. Pretend to be so engrossed in something else that you don’t even notice them.

• Tip

  Can't contain yourself? Use text to share your excitement discreetly.

• 

  Step 3: Keep your distance

  Remain a respectable distance from the star while you plot your next move. There are a lot of crazies out there, and you don’t want to scare the celebrity away.

• 

  Step 4: Get some photos

  Decide whether you can get away with some stealth pictures or video to document your close encounter. But beware — if you’re hoping to actually approach the celeb next, they’re not going to be too happy if you’ve just been playing the part of paparazzi.

• Tip

  Seeing is believing: If your phone has live video share, prove your sighting in real time.

• 

  Step 5: Time your approach

  If you decide to approach the celebrity, choose an opportune moment, like as they’re preparing to leave. No one appreciates being interrupted.

• 

  Step 6: Be polite and original

  Be polite and complimentary, but try to say something sincere and at least mildly original.

• Tip

  Never tell a celebrity they look younger, thinner, or better looking in person. They'll just hear that they look old, fat, and ugly on-screen.

• 

  Step 7: Request a favor

  If the celebrity seems friendly, ask for a favor, like for them to sign an autograph or pose for a photo.

• 

  Step 8: Blend right in

  By now you should probably say thanks and leave the celebrity alone. Unless, of course, you really want to press your luck… in which case, throw on a pair of sunglasses, adopt an “I belong” attitude, and try to blend in with the celebrity’s entourage.

• Fact

  When it comes to autographs, Johnny Depp was voted the "Best Signer" in a poll by _Autograph Magazine_.