We live in an age where celebrity culture rules, with reality television and a significant rise in the number of so-called stars driving this trends.
While this initially manifested itself through celebrity iterations of established reality programs, shows such as The Only way is Essex have created an entirely new breed of celebrities that have begun to impact on every area of television.
While this explains the way in which celebrity culture has changed, however, its enduring popularity and widespread appeal is harder to understand. An answer may be found in the economic trials that normal households and citizens have faced in the last six years, as earnings have stagnated while the cost of living has continued to rise. This has forced many to aspire to an easier and more enjoyable way of life, with celebrity culture offering an escape and inspiration for the future.
While we tend to have a stereotypical view of celebrities, this often fails to capture the true depth of the three-dimensions stars who dominate our screens. Many have dreams and hobbies just like us, while they are also just as likely to enjoy zany and unusual activities that defy their screen personas.
To celebrate this, we have explored the unique hobbies of the rich and the famous, discovering a select few that are truly surprising. Here are three of the most striking…
Mick Jagger and his famous Bingo Parties at home
If someone told you that legendary rock and roll front-man Mick Jagger was an avid gambler, you would probably not be surprised. Rather than following the example set by Ben Affleck as a Vegas high-roller, however, Jagger’s passion lies in bingo and he is known to host world-famous games for his celebrity pals in his home.
While this may surprise some, it underlines the popularity of bingo (both traditional and online) and makes Jagger one of many celebrities who have a love of bingo. Jagger’s endorsement also captures the generation and technological shifts that have taken place in bingo in the last few years, as the typical playing demographic becomes younger and cooler.
Nicolas Cage’s obsession with Superman
While Nicolas Cage continues to polarise opinion with regards to his acting skills, there is no doubting his pedigree and ability to land top movie roles. He also has a secret passion, however, and one that almost reached a thrilling conclusion in the 1990’s.
More specifically, Cage has an incredible passion for Superman, which manifests itself in a huge range of collectible comic books, movies series’ and memorabilia. He even called his son Kal-El, which is Superman’s real name. Towards the end of the 20th century Cage almost his dream role as Superman in a Tim Burton production, but sadly this film never saw the light of day.
Tom Hanks’ collection of Vintage Manual Typewriters
We close with perhaps the most unusual hobby, and one which is probably unique to most celebrities and everyday people in the world. Hollywood star Tom Hanks may be best known for his starring roles in films such as Big, Cast Away and Forest Gump, but did you know that he was also an avid collector of vintage, manual typewriters?
Probably not, but this is something that Hanks is actually immensely proud of. He also used his typewriters to commit his intimate thoughts to papers, while he even created an iPhone app that enables people to type in the same way that a typewriter works. This is well worth a look, so when you get the chance visit the Apple Store and check out Hanx Writer.