Psychological Impact of Fame Quotes

There is a theory in showbiz circles that mentally you remain the same age as when you first tasted fame, and I think there is a grain of truth in this.

I'm famous now. But now that I've got fame and some of the other things I thought would make me happy - it ain't worked

The contrast of being in the spotlight when you're very young and then suddenly not can be really bad for your mental state.

Acting is a win-win situation. There is no risk involved. That's why I get tired of hearing actors who try to make out that there's a downside to it. Fame is an odd thing. It bugs you a little bit, but it's really not bad.

The truth is, anybody that becomes famous is an ass for a year and a half. You've got to give them a year and a half, two years. They are getting so much smoke blown, and their whole world gets so turned upside down, their responses become distorted. I give everybody a year or two to pull it together because, when it first happens, I know how it is.

I think that happens to a lot of people who find themselves thrust into the spotlight and becoming famous before they recognize what's happening to them. Life becomes a little distorted for them.

No wonder all the great comedians had such destructive private lives. ... After you get the audience into that kind of frenzy, and you are being worshiped like the false idol you are, how do you leave the stage and transition back into real life? ... What is there left to do but set yourself on fire?