Jun 23 2008
Fan Mail: Are there normal people in Hollywood?
As I said last week, I will take Mondays to answer mail from readers (like you!) Well, after my magnificent launch of Fan Mail Monday, I received a deluge consisting of one email. I was touched. So, without further delay, here is the question!
Hiya, Steve! You wanted a question to answer, so here’s one. How much of Hollywood DOESN’T revolve around the entertainment industry? Are there people who just happen to live there and carry on their daily lives without regard for getting into film or TV? — Chris in GA
You have to understand Chris, my biggest fan ever, that “Hollywood” really isn’t a geographical area so much as a concept. If you go to the actual Hollywood here in the greater Los Angeles area, you will find an enormous tourist area. During the day the Walk of Fame stars will be crowded with Mom and Pop and sixteen kids from Nebraska. Don’t try to drive down Hollywood or Sunset blvd during the day. There are tons of little touristy knick-knack stores, and people on the street hawking tours and maps to the homes of the “stars.” There are also some crazy people who make their living by dressing up as super heroes and other film characters and charge tourists to get their picture taken with them. They just walk around Hollywood all day in the hot sun dressed as, say, The Mighty Thor (I met one of these who was missing a few teeth. Apparently dentistry is not big in Asgard.) Hollywood does have a club scene at night, but the parking is $10 usually, and then the cover for the club is $10, and then you get to stand around squished like sardines with people in a way too tiny club off of Sunset Blvd.
Much of Los Angeles is driven by the entertainment industry, it is true. However, one thing about LA: it is full of immigrants. I’m sure most of these people could care less about being in movies as they are busy working retail or service jobs just trying to pay the exorbitant rent prices that come with living here. Why they do it is a mystery to me, except that perhaps they like being with the large communities of people of their ethnicity. There is a reason one often hears the term “Mexifornia.”
The Email Address to Email me the Email Questions for Fan Mail
Well, since this week was a raging success, I want to put up the address for you all to ask me your questions about Hollywood! Here it is:
steveinhollywoodblog -AT- yahoo.com
Please, send me something to answer!
Picture of the Day
Just for you, Biggest Fan Chris, you get my own personal guide map to Los Angeles!
You forgot 3rd Worst traffic eva….the 101. ;-)
Well, I didn’t want to clutter up my cool map too much.
But you’re right.
Thanks for answering my letter, Steve! Nice map, too. I feel at home already. ;)