The Fading Celebrity's Emergency Survival Kit

The spotlight is strong and bright. But in Hollywood, it bounces around very quickly, shining on some for longer periods of time than others. Some fortunate (read: talented) celebrities have discovered ways to extend their longevity in the business. Whether it's acting, singing, or being famous for being famous, there are all sorts of tricks that celebs pull out of their hats in an effort to remain proudly above the entertainment radar. For those A-List stars whose lights are fading, it can be particularly discomforting to find your name on the D-List. Sometimes the attempts to remain in the spotlight are subtle; some are quite blatant. It does seem however, that the rich and famous have a veritable emergency survival kit stocked with all sorts of publicity tricks. If you watch television or listen to the radio, you'll start to catch on...

Emergency Kit Item #1 : A Clothing/Fragrance/ Cosmetics Line

The development of clothing lines in and of itself does not necessarily indicate the expiration date of a celebrity. Take Gwen Stefani for example, her L.A.M.B. ensembles are a hit on runways. This is because fans are able to see the spirit of the woman behind the clothing. The lines are funky and innovative, and represent the energy of Stefani's music and performances.

However, everyone is not as fortunate. Jessica Simpson in her pop-tart heyday scored millions with her Dessert cosmetics line. The kitschy sweet colors and items coincided perfectly with her persona as Mrs. Nick Lachey. But as divorce loomed in the distance, and Simpson's popularity began to fade, she moved on again---but not onto a "Public Affair" follow-up---but to wigs, purses, and jeans. Sure, Jessica is making some sales. But her products will never rival Stefani's, or anyone else who has established solid footing on her/his career.

Another popular thing to after you've made millions off of platinum albums is to "develop" your own fragrance. Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears have made a killing on their fragrances. "Glow for Women" and "Curious" (respectively) were huge sellers upon first hitting the market. But here's what most people don't think about: Neither of these women have chemistry degrees. Therefore, how can the public assume that Lopez and Spears have done anything more than tell research and development chemists what smells they like the best? In that case, everyone should be able to have a fragrance line.

Emergency Kit Item #2 : Another Celebrity

The most popular example of the Celeb Survival Kit Specialist is Katie Holmes (also known as Mrs. Tom Cruise). If there was ever a way to hold onto that celebrity spotlight---and even catapult it into superstardom, it is by marrying a top A-List celebrity. No one really wants to admit that Katie Holmes has only a modicum of acting talent. But those who have followed her career will always see the brunette as "Joey", the angst-filled virgin from "Dawson's Creek."

But celebrities do not always have to marry a hot Hollywood name to keep themselves afloat. Rosie O'Donnell made a point of carrying on her feud with one of the most celebrated names in the world: Donald Trump. Even after the first verbal daggers were exchanged, Rosie took the issue farther and farther, until she managed to slide right out of "View." Rosie's perpetually dimming light has been practically overshadowed by lesbian comediennes like Ellen DeGeneres, who is loved by people from all walks of life.

Emergency Kit Item #3 : Music

Once upon a time, musicians who had been exposed to the public for many years finally got around to acting. Stars like David Bowie and Mos Def have been able to successfully parlay music careers into successful acting careers. But this is due mainly in part to their integrity, and firm understanding of their respective crafts. The line between music and acting has become so blurred over the years, that now they seem almost interchangeable. The sad truth however, is that many actors whose light is fading turn to music as a way of staying in the limelight.

Who would have figured that "Set it Off" actress Jada Pinkett-Smith would one day in the future lead a practically invisible Afro-punk death metal band? It is true that celebrities are often talented in many different areas. But in many cases, such as with Jared Leto (frontman of 30 Seconds To Mars), the transition into other entertainment genres is the parachute that celebrities use to save themselves as they fall from public grace.

Emergency Kit Item #4 : Shocking Behavior

No one ever stops to think about why Lindsay Lohan is on the cover of every reputable publication known to man. A general consensus of public opinion would dictate that an under aged person who has neither cured cancer nor stopped war, should not be worshipped by free-thinking, tax-paying adults. However, in La Lohan's case, this is not so. While young Lindsay has indeed enjoyed the spotlight as an artist (on screen and on disc) her extracurricular exploits are far more popular. She has been quoted several times as having the desire to be viewed as a serious actress.

But history has shown that people with genuine confidence do not feel compelled to be on display at all times; nor do they need to emphasize their need to be taken seriously. Lindsay Lohan is not the only celebrity to succumb to shocking behavior as a means of hogging press time. Britney Spears' recent antics while "innocent" to her, are more than ever a cry for attention. So many in Hollywood fall into paths of destruction for other reasons. But the fear of fading into the distance is enough to prompt some to engage in risky behavior.

Emergency Kit Item #5 : Reality Television

One needs only to tune into VH-1 to figure out which celebrities are deathly afraid of being forgotten by the public. One of the most popular examples of television debauchery, "Flavor of Love" has boosted overall ratings for the music network. But had Flavor Flav (the show's "be-clocked" host) decided to not join Reality TV Land, no one would ever have cared to remember him as the outspoken rebel of 90's hip-hop group, Public Enemy.

Other celebrities have fallen into the trap of reality television: Countess Vaughn, Maureen McCormick, Young MC, and a horde of others. In fact, the typical 15 minutes of fame in Hollywood has been drastically reduced with the advent of YouTube and Myspace. America's Next Top Model unknown, Adrienne Curry never even got to enjoy any fame as a model before she decided to dive into the shallow waters of reality TV. This avenue of television was once reserved for those civilians lucky enough to be chosen (for some purpose or another) by entertainment executives looking to boost ratings. But now, celebrities are honing in on the reality action, hoping that the world will find their private lives as fascinating as their careers.