I don’t pretend to live the life of the rich and famous. I’m not chased around by paparazzi nor gossiped about in the grocery store tabloids.
But being on television means that there is a public side of my life, and I do feel a general obligation to deal with people politely when they come up to me with a question or comment, even if it is the first thing in the morning and I’m just running to the store for milk, haven’t showered and what’s left of my hair is standing straight up.
There are those who feel that anyone who seeks a public life is fair game at all hours of the day or night, and if a picture is taken of someone or a word overheard in an unflattering light then they are only dying on the same sword they used to build their lives.
It reminds me of an early morning interview I did once with comedienne Paula Poundstone.
She came to the station looking tired and unhappy, and just about every third word she said had four letters in it.
But when the camera light came on, she sat straight up, her eyes got bright and the one- liners were rapid fire.
When it was over, the sullen look returned and she trudged out the door.
We are all different people at work, aren’t we?
We put on our game face and do what is asked of us, hoping only to go home, shut the door at some point and “be ourselves” again.
That’s one reason why I only call newsmakers at home as a last resort.
Since I value my privacy it’s only fair that I respect theirs.
To be honest, there are times when I resent someone who causes an intrusion of my public personality into my private life, and I only see a tiny glimpse of what a nationally recognized actor or athlete must face.
I like the thought of keeping my separate lives separate.
As for the truly rich and famous, I’d just as soon leave them alone when the lights go out and they trudge home.