Stalked to Oblivion

We’ve all heard of those famous celebs who have been stalked by crazed ‘fans’ and had to resort to legal action to get rid of them.  But what about those semi-unknown actors stalked to the extent they lose their careers?

Some ‘almost weres‘ had that moment of fame in which they seemed poised for stardom only to disappear into the vacuum.  This is the story of one of them.

About ten years ago a particular actor was the rage.   Posting his name today would only reap humiliation, for most people have never heard of him. Those who watched the Drama in which he appeared will never forget him. His character ought have become an icon; yet, he disappeared from view in 2004 save for dinner theater.

The stalking he experienced is more expected for a Will Smith or another insanity producing superstar, not for a virtual unknown.  Yet, insane fans drove him from the spotlight.

The stalking was constant and in some cases criminal.  If he travelled he needed to have the room ‘cleared’ before he entered, as often naked females hid in the shower.  If he walked on the street he would be tailed by giggling hordes who embarrassed and harassed him.

When he had long hair it was constantly being pulled and stroked by strangers who didn’t seem to comprehend that this was a human being and this was the hair growing out of his scalp.

His privacy was removed.  People demanding he join them for dinner, have photographs taken,  insisting he cease to exist as a human only as decoration in their fantasies.

Some stalkers would travel from Europe to pop up at every venue, from a charity function to a play to a convention.  They had nothing to say to him, nothing they wanted to hear from him, simply to follow him around and prevent him from engaging in discussion with others.

His home became alien territory as one or more waited in his drive way.  Calling the police would have been useful if he were Tom Cruise or Morgan Freeman, but as he was unknown, often he was told to sue for trespass.

His parents were able to have hourly patrols by their home.  Their phone constantly rang until they ceased answering it allowing messages to be stored and using cell phones for all communication.  Using a post office box for ‘fan mail’ was another area of torment as many stalkers sent unwanted items.

Eventually, with his personal life destroyed, his career disrupted, for many co-stars were annoyed by his stalkers. Jealous, yes, but also having that ‘reflected’ notoriety so that wherever they want one of his fans would pigeon hole them, demanding information.

By 2005 his career was over.

It was over not because there were no roles or he had no talent, it was over because he chose to escape the insanity and gain some sense of reality.