[the_fonz]

From my measly perspective, fame suuucks... there's really no upside. Anonymous obscurity seems a better camouflage rather than people getting up in someone's personal business documenting their every move, criticizing their every breath, treating them differently, expecting to impose on their emotional reserves and time, or acting goofy/toadyingly around them. All people put on pants one leg at a time unless they're missing legs or wearing a kilt. ;)

[starpilot]

Will Smith's contrary view is that fame is great. You get treated better everywhere and people listen to your mundane opinions on anything. The pain of being ignored or rejected is vastly reduced, whether it's in your personal life, career etc.

[everdrive]

I think some people are extroverted enough, and arrogant enough to love this sort of fame. I don't mean this comment to be negative, but I'm not sure how else to describe the trait. Have you ever walked into a room and thought "These hundred or so people should really be listening to me." Maybe not verbatim, but I suspect Will Smith has had that thought in one form or another.

Since HN is titled so heavily towards introverted logical (logical as opposed to emotional) thinkers, it's no surprise that the perspective of a celebrity would be hard for the community to grasp.

[BMorearty]

I hadn't heard that was his POV. I'm surprised. I've always thought fame would be terrible. You can't walk down the street in peace. You can't shop in peace. You can't eat at a restaurant in peace.

[steve19]

Money seems to have all the benefits of fame and few of the disadvantages. Having $100m in the bank confers all those advantages without being harassed on the street.

[netsharc]

Well, with fame, you walk into a fancy restaurant, you get a table. With money, you're still another anonymous schmuck.

I guess if you have that much money you can hire someone to call ahead and say "This man's net worth is this much, and he would like to have a table in half an hour.". Or to be less crass, they can rattle off your impressive CV/portfolio and the restaurant would get the idea.

[steve19]

You never been out for a meal with a rich person huh? Guarantee you a rich person (where rich is $50m+)can get that table faster than the b-list sitcom actor who is in front of her in the queue. She dosnt need a CV, just needs her wallet.

[Chris2048]

> people listen to your mundane opinions on anything

I would hate that. The only upside is the deluded ego stroke.