...to quote David Bowie's classic hit.
Due to sleeplessness, I grabbed my phone and went straight to the Dailymail (as you do), and the first thing I saw was an article about the 'downfall of the Artful Dodger', child actor Jack Wild, famous for the 1968 musical Oliver! Apparently the success of Oliver! both made him and crippled him; he spiralled down into alcoholism and died of mouth cancer aged 53.
That reminded me of how I wanted to be a famous musician just a year ago. But I also like my privacy. One of the two would have to go when you decide to go on such adventures. And from the too many stories I've read and heard of musicians and actors struggling to cope with the rollercoaster ride that is fame (even Thom Yorke went through that with the success of OK Computer)...
I thought no. I'd rather keep my sanity. You can't have everything. I'd rather do something meaningful and stay anonymous. I don't need the extra scrutiny. Considering my current anxieties, it would just be overkill. I just know the sheer pressure would be crippling.
And yet...poor Andy Wild. How many such bright stars have fallen out of the sky after drowning themselves in alcohol, drugs or whatever? Fame definitely changes you as a person. And not in a good way...
Due to sleeplessness, I grabbed my phone and went straight to the Dailymail (as you do), and the first thing I saw was an article about the 'downfall of the Artful Dodger', child actor Jack Wild, famous for the 1968 musical Oliver! Apparently the success of Oliver! both made him and crippled him; he spiralled down into alcoholism and died of mouth cancer aged 53.
That reminded me of how I wanted to be a famous musician just a year ago. But I also like my privacy. One of the two would have to go when you decide to go on such adventures. And from the too many stories I've read and heard of musicians and actors struggling to cope with the rollercoaster ride that is fame (even Thom Yorke went through that with the success of OK Computer)...
I thought no. I'd rather keep my sanity. You can't have everything. I'd rather do something meaningful and stay anonymous. I don't need the extra scrutiny. Considering my current anxieties, it would just be overkill. I just know the sheer pressure would be crippling.
And yet...poor Andy Wild. How many such bright stars have fallen out of the sky after drowning themselves in alcohol, drugs or whatever? Fame definitely changes you as a person. And not in a good way...
