Jane Russell
I recently attended a Hollywood collectibles show. It was my first time at such an event. I saw a number of older movie and television stars and a few younger stars, such as the "potentials" from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The show included a sales area where dealers in various items of memorabilia offered their wares. I saw a number of interesting items, garnered a few autographed photos and generally enjoyed myself, despite horrible weather and plane delays. One of the most interesting stars at the show was the 84-year-old actress, Jane Russell.
Jane Russell is a favorite actress of my youth. She was discovered by Howard Hughes and starred in his 1943 production The Outlaw. She later starred in Paleface with Bob Hope, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes with Marilyn Monroe and many others. She seemed to me an excellent actress and I wished to see her in more and better roles. As you can imagine, I was delighted to meet Ms. Russell at the show. She was selling autographs, in common with the other stars and celebrities present, and the line to meet her was so long that it unfortunately prevented nearby stars from greeting their fans. She was clearly the hit of the show and graciously inscribed the autographed photos I purchased.
However, in a way I was saddened to see her in the setting of the show. As I saw it, here was a big star of the '40s and '50s reduced to selling autographed pictures to make a few dollars. Then a friend reminded me that she was kept from taking the best roles in her prime by her contract with Hughes and that the financial arrangements for stars of her era were not as generous as they are today. I began to understand that, under the circumstances, she was probably fortunate in her ability to attract autograph seekers and earn a few dollars at the show. Many people of her age and presumed circumstances wouldn't have her earning power.
I would assume Ms. Russell had things she'd rather be doing than sitting at a table in a cold convention hall and selling autographed pictures, even to fans. She nonetheless maintained her dignity and behaved with good cheer. I think that's the lesson of Ms. Russell. No matter what the circumstances, no matter what the price, when you agree to appear at a show, make a public appearance, do a job, you owe your best. You owe those around you the most cheerful and energetic performance you can muster. And you can maintain your dignity no matter what.
If you agree to do something, do the best you can and treat the customers, the clients, the audience with respect. In that way, you will gain their respect and make it easier to maintain your dignity. As always, if you can leave others happier, more comfortable, feeling better about themselves, you will feel better about yourself. Be cheerful and dignified in everything you do. It will pay dividends, if not in cash, in good will.
2-28-05
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