During a recent appearance on Conan O’Brien‘s talk show, actress Christina Ricci opened up about her experiences with fame and the paparazzi. Ricci reflected on her early days in the industry and how she navigated the challenges that came with being a young, famous actress.
O’Brien praised Ricci for how she handled fame at a young age, noting that she seemed to have done so in a “very classy way.” Ricci admitted that she had mixed feelings about letting kids have access to fame, as she believes it is one of the most powerful drugs in the world. She expressed concern about the negative effects it can have on young individuals.
Despite being famous at such a young age, Ricci confessed that she never really felt famous and lacked the objectivity to analyze herself during those times. The actress admitted that she often forgets about her own fame and remains uncomfortable with it.
Ricci shared a story about living in Los Angeles in her 20s and how she would drive around town. As a small person, she felt threatened by the constant presence of paparazzi and people approaching her. To cope with this, Ricci played a mental game where she pretended her father was just a well-loved doctor in town and people were being nice to her because of that, not because she was famous. This mental strategy helped her feel more comfortable, but eventually, she had to let go of it.
The actress also discussed the presence of paparazzi and how it would freak her out. She mentioned instances where people would follow her all the way home, causing her to feel threatened. Ricci shared a particular liquor store she would pull into when she felt followed, where a person named Rick would come out and chase the paparazzi away.
Ricci continued by recalling a time when she lived with her sister, and a man would sit outside their house and leave notes on her car. To avoid any potential danger, they would turn off all the lights and wait until the man left. Ricci emphasized that fame had its perks, such as getting into any restaurant or club, but there were also significant logistical and safety concerns that loomed larger in her mind.
O’Brien added to the discussion, acknowledging that he often doesn’t feel physically threatened by people due to his height and gender. However, he recognized that for women, especially young women, the experience can be completely different and may set off various alarms. Ricci agreed, stating that she still feels a little threatened if a stranger walks up to her or follows her to her car.
Ricci concluded by mentioning her paranoia and safety consciousness. She remains cautious when someone unfamiliar approaches her or invades her personal space. Despite their lighthearted banter, Ricci and O’Brien touched on the serious topic of safety and the unique challenges that women in the entertainment industry face.
Christina Ricci‘s candid discussion with Conan O’Brien provided a glimpse into the complex world of fame and the dangers that come with it. The actress’s personal experiences shed light on the physical and emotional threats that celebrities, especially women, often encounter. Ricci’s story serves as a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, there are real-life concerns that celebrities must navigate to protect themselves.
