10 Ways to be a memorable has-been

Sun, 02/08/2009 11:24 AM  |  Lifestyle

There's a tweaking and flinching feeling when our name, which used to be the headliner, shifts away from front page to somewhere near the obituaries. Moving to the next level of "maturity" can be a hard-fought thing. Some embrace it gracefully, but what if you've rocketed to fame and then soon forgotten, but still refuse to have your name carved on the has-been gravestone? Would you consider a "return"?

Tiffany, a teen idol from the *80s tried to make a come back by posing nude for Playboy. Sadly, no one gave a damn about the exhibition of her "fire floss". God bless your hair colorist, girl. And I love you, NKOTB, as we danced to your tunes back in our high school uniforms, but sorry - today it's more about High School Musical, OK?

Lately in Hollywood, before a star's popularity is washed away, there are ways to preserve that shining factor. Especially for those who are not married to a rich partner, nor morphed into socialite-dom as their later stage of stardom. Some approach may sound similar to what occurs here in our pop culture society. Get inspired by these steps of celebrity to stay memorable, either in your regional fan club basis or just in your Facebook circle.

Have your own TV reality show Be it quality or trash, audiences love to be entertained by watching their idols' animated lives as weird newlyweds, giving breakup tips, or living in the fabulous lane. Hello Christopher "Brady Bunch" Knight, Shannen Doherty and Kimora!

Be the TV comedy series comeback queen (as long as luck is with you) Teri Hatcher turned her desperation into not so Desperate Housewives, and Brooke Shield moved from quiet Blue Lagoon to busy Lipstick Jungle.

Be the judge for a TV talent contest As the old saying goes, "Those who can't do, teach." What else could be better than to use your leftover fame or skill to bitch out contestant hopefuls of fierce talent competitions? Agree, Paula Abdul, Janice Dickinson and Brandy?

Be a designer for lines of fashion or accessories This is more a way to maintain cash flow rather than a comeback move. Many celebrities extend their names and tastes into retail kingdom. High five, J-Lo, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and Gwen Stefani.

Have a scandalous sex or drunk videotape on the Internet That sounds easy, the only thing you need is low self-esteem and super-thick skin. Right, Paris Hilton and David Hasselhoff?

Have a painful divorce Despite being tearful, a nasty divorce can result in another chance at front page coverage. Share a box of tissues with Pamela Anderson and Denise Richards.

Be a yo-yo dieter, balloon up and soon get bony again Flabby up yourself and then three months later surprise your fans with the new slim fit you! Drop that donut now, Janet Jackson and Kristie Alley!

Be a politician, social activist, UN goodwill ambassador or something Turning star status into the world of conservative suits will make politics nothing but sexy. Let's march with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Geri Halliwell.

Get involved in philanthropic activities Who said looking fabulous can only be obtained on the red carpet? Drew Barrymore and Heather "ex-McCartney" Mills love to be photographed generously at charity events!

Change your relationship status every week in your Facebook profile Sure, everyone can do this, as you probably get sick of witnessing it on your Facebook newsfeeds lately.

In Indonesia, the desperation to make a comeback can still be felt distinctly from former models to actors who willingly decline their previous glorious careers for cheap antagonist acting for local sinetron. And some celebrities are putting their star power behind "glittery" charity causes before their names sink too deep. And infotainment programs are still be so keen to televise their charitable activities that are usually part of their birthday bash agendas. I wonder: if their hearts are really in it, should there be overexposed publicity while they're doing it?

One outstanding metamorphosis from a fashion icon who made a comeback in style as reassured, graceful and successful entrepreneur is Christy Turlington, an 80s supermodel who quit her model-dom in 1994 while then BFF Linda Evangelista was still unwilling to get out of bed for less than a thousand dollars.

Fashionistas had a hunch that Christy left the runway too soon, but the woman pursued higher studies at NYU and reinvented herself years later as a prominent voice of yoga, followed by the launch of her ayurvedic skincare line Sundari and her yoga apparel line Nuala. Darn, isn't it privileged of her while often we still catch her notorious fellow model Naomi Campbell partying up a storm with snow "accidentally" stuck in her nose? Perhaps Christy's act can inspire you better, our Has-Been-ers?

-- Diaz

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