Vocal Point : Will we give celebs-in-residence privacy they seek?

Was that really George Clooney walking around downtown Coeur d’Alene?

According to D.F. Oliveria’s June 25 “Huckleberries” column, Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint and surrounding areas are becoming a fresh magnet for what he calls “newbie celebs” arriving here.

As he notes, North Idaho has been home for a while to actors Patty Duke, Ellen Travolta and husband Jack Bannon, Dennis Franz and (news to me) Viggo Mortensen, who owns property in Sandpoint. Several professional athletes also are in the area. And writer Christina Crawford owns a ranch in the Panhandle.

In addition, well-known directors and actors have filmed movies over the years in the Inland Northwest.

But North Idaho, especially, is attracting more arts and sports celebrities. Oliveria reported recent sightings of several famous people in and around Coeur d’Alene; they apparently are visiting or looking for property, especially at Gozzer Ranch.

With its natural beauty, spacious land, upscale resort atmosphere and comparatively inexpensive real estate prices, North Idaho would be an ideal draw for celebrities wanting a haven.

But will we give that to them?

Sure, some celebrities thrive on status, the red carpets, the perks, the tony bistros, the ego gratification. But how long can that kind of thing fully satisfy?

Many celebrities find fame a two-edged sword and its costs too steep.

Once people become famous, simple pleasures we “commoners” take for granted become difficult, if not impossible, such as going to markets, movies, parks, coffeehouses, outdoor festivals and public places of entertainment – or even just taking a walk – without attracting unwanted attention from dazzled fans or footlong camera lenses.

When I worked at Disneyland during my college days, I served several famous people, including Clint Eastwood, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara and the late Richard Harris (known today mostly for his role as Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films). They would wear scruffy clothes and act unobtrusively; some women would eschew cosmetics and cover their hair in hats or bandannas. I admired their courage in trying to enjoy the amusement park, but I thought it a shame they couldn’t just be themselves.

Many celebrities simply want to do what they love – work at their craft or sport – and live in some modicum of peace. But a job that brings fame means intrusive exposure. Who would want to be always “on” and judged accordingly?

So, many celebrities buy property in rural areas where they can live and raise their families in peace, allowing them a “real life” and giving their children a chance at a normal childhood. They can enjoy being part of a regular community that accepts them with equanimity and genuine relationship rather than gawking and pestering.

Are we up to this here? Up to treating an increasing number of celebrities with respect and quietly enfolding them into our community? Keeping a friendly composure when encountering them on Sherman Avenue in downtown Coeur d’Alene, at public events, on the golf course, at the grocery store, at River Park Square, at the airport? Allowing a Lance Armstrong or a Julia Roberts space and opportunity to regain what they’ve lost in the pack frenzy?

Although it’ll be a challenge for some, I suspect we are. Last summer, my husband and I noticed Dennis Franz at a summer art show and didn’t see anyone bothering him (at least not at that moment). I believe our area can be mature enough to not have a National Enquirer mentality. Besides, we don’t have any Tony’s Bistro Restaurants here. Yet.

We’re pretty practical, egalitarian, mind-your-own-business folks here. I’d like to think we would extend our own desire for privacy to famous people who wish the same.

Wouldn’t we?