Whenever I'm asked where the best spots in Hollywood are for star spotting, I recommend visitors just hang out in the ordinary places and let the celebrities find YOU. It never fails that I run into Halle Barry in the supermarket, Teri Hatcher crossing the street or Dustin Hoffman at the newsstand. This morning at the gym, I came face to face with a Baldwin brother.
Of course, those Baldwin boys are easy enough to spot. But discerning one from the other-- THAT is the tough part. They not only share an incredible family resemblance, but they all seem to favour that "wet look" wedge hair cut that was trendy back in the 1980s.
As I watched the actor take his spot on a treadmill over my right shoulder, I determined that it was actually William ("Billy"), best known from SLIVER and BACKDRAFT. Knowing he was a collegiate wrestler, lifelong sports fan and practiced at stuntwork, I expected to be dazzled by his workout.
Ummm..nope. He took a stroll on the treadmill as if he were walking through the park. And casually whistling while he went! I wondered if maybe he wasn't simply easing himself back into a fitness regimen, even though he looked perfectly lean and in-shape for a 44 year old guy (skinny legs.why do so many guys forget to do lower body work!?).
Ten minutes later, I guess he was bored, because he put on a pair of headphones and switched to the rowing machine. I wondered why he was wearing a Penn State University sweat shirt when I knew he attended the State Uni of New York.
An internet search later, I discovered that he actually is the longtime spokesman for the annual National High School Wrestling Championship and Convention held at PSU. He's quoted saying, "In terms of instilling the values of mental toughness and work ethic and discipline, it's the gift that keeps on giving. I always equate wrestling to having been in the Marine Corps as my father was. It's the kind of experience you couldn't get rid of, if you wanted to." Good for him! I hope he'll remember to do a little work on those quads, hamstrings and calves!
Famous folks are always hitting the gym. Very few of them, like Felicity Huffman & Bill Macy, prefer to stay holed up in their at-home workout rooms.Here in Hollywood, as in most places, fitness facilities are a place to see and be seen! Trendy places attract the likes of Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson, John Mayer, Mandy Moore and Ian Ziering. Down and dirty gymnasiums are de rigeur for David James Elliot, Sly Stallone and Hillary Swank.
Mixing it up with an array of classes and equipment appeals to Carmen Electra, James Denton and Ashley Judd, and just being out in nature is the preferred venue for sun-loving Jake Gyllenhall, Matt McConaughey, Jessica Biel and Pamela Anderson. Roll out that yoga mat alongside Ricky Martin, Meg Ryan, Madonna or Jerry Seinfeld.
So if you're ever in Los Angeles and want to see some stars, don't spend all your time waiting outside Mr. Chow's, Spago's or Hyde.bring along some exercise gear and invest in a day pass to a local health club! You'll not only being doing something good for yourself, you might just have a close encounter of the celebrity kind!
