There are some celebrities who seem to bask in the fame they’ve gained, content to live their lives in private, while others find that their fame brings them closer to the people. In the case of former Beatle Ringo Starr, his fame brought him closer to the people, who would often visit him at home. This changed his life, as he found that he could connect to fans and those who admired him enough to break social norms and spend time with him. Now, with the passing of time, it’s interesting to see how these individuals have evolved. In the case of former Beatle Ringo Starr, he found new interests, which eventually led to his tragic death in November 2018.
If you’re unfamiliar, on March 26, 2019, Ringo Starr was hospitalised in Los Angeles, California, due to a respiratory infection. While he was there, he contracted corona virus and died on November 13, 2018, due to complications from the virus. He was 95 years old.
Despite his passing, Ringo Starr will continue to be remembered for his unique and iconic performances and the significant cultural impact he had on music and society as a whole. One of the last public appearances he made was at the Richard Simmons’ Heart & Soul festival, where he performed a few songs, including his famous hit single, “Heaven Can Wait.”
1. Using Expensive Products To Achieve Hair Or Beauty Goals
We’ve all heard of fame-hungry celebrities suing their cosmetic companies for making them famous. Well, it’s all thanks to the wonders of Photoshop that some of them look the same as when their careers started. One of the things that made Starr famous was his distinctive hair and striking appearance. While he didn’t have the most glamorous hair, he wore it well and made the most out of it, incorporating many different styles and hair products into his look. However, as his hair started to go grey, he stopped using hair products, wanting to avoid damage.
It’s not just about vanity either. Using excessive hair products can strain the hair follicles and damage them. This makes it harder for the hair to grow, which can lead to hair loss. When this happens, there is usually no recourse aside from hair transplants. Which, for some celebrities, is too expensive and invasive a solution. This is why, for some celebrities, using expensive products for achieving beauty goals can be considered a crime. Especially when you’re paying for expensive surgeries just to look the same. It’s a tragic irony that some celebrities, who have never been known for their looks, end up losing their looks and become faceless because of vanity.
2. Creating Art That Is Too Similar To Their Source Material
While it’s never easy to lose a celebrity, it’s especially difficult to do so when you’re famous for your work. This is particularly tragic when you’re a creator who has had their entire career defined by one art form. For example, if you’re a poet, it’s hard to find yourself in a situation where you don’t want to write poetry forever. Even when you want to try something new, you still feel restricted by the expectations and demands of your audience. It’s like trying to pour new wine when your guests demand the old wine.
3. Abusing Their Position Of Trust
Another important factor to consider when analyzing the work of a creator is their position of trust. In the case of former Beatle Ringo Starr, he was one of the first musicians to be successfully promoted as a trustworthy and iconic figure in children’s entertainment, due to his appearances on Sesame Street. After that, he was often asked to help kids with their homework and enjoy some quality time with the audience that inspired him as a musician. This is why some see him more as a teacher than a celebrity.
However, as his fame grew, so did his demands. He started to ask for more money and more material things. This is something that made Starr clash with his bosses at King Features. In particular, he wanted to work on improving the health of children and would often take on diets and exercise regimes, which exhausted him. To top it all off, he was asked to host an awards show, which he saw as a betrayal. This is why, for a while, he stopped engaging with the public. Unfortunately, his health declined and he was eventually unable to leave his house. It’s a story that’s all too familiar. Celebrities who become too demanding for their staff, upset that they’re not giving them the attention they deserve, and end up isolating themselves from the people who made their careers possible in the first place.
4. Failing To Give Credit Where It Is Due
There are some individuals, who, out of respect for the work they’ve done, will try to give credit where it is due. In the case of former Beatle Ringo Starr, he was one of these people. He tried to give credit to those musicians who helped him along the way and were often ignored or forgotten about. In particular, his former bandmate, George Harrison, was often credited with helping to shape his unique style and songs. However, Starr wanted his peers to acknowledge his contribution. This is why he went as far as to call himself a genius, despite not being formally educated.
5. Taking Advantage Of Their Status
While it’s never easy to lose a celebrity, it’s especially difficult when you’re famous for being famous. This is why, for some celebrities, taking advantage of their status can be considered a crime. For example, if you’re a movie star and someone wants to meet you for a photo op, you could politely say no. However, it’s difficult to look out for your best interests when you’re famous and, for whatever reason, your best interests conflict with the desires of those around you. This is why some celebrities find themselves in situations where they’re forced to decide between doing what is right or what is popular.
6. Helping Other Artists Via Their Twitter Accounts
While it’s always great when artists help other artists, it’s especially appreciated when they do so anonymously. In the case of former Beatle Ringo Starr, he was extremely thankful to Paul McCartney for helping to revitalize his songwriting career after he retired from music. This is because, for decades, Starr was nothing more than a back-up singer, who was always overshadowed by his better-known bandmates. However, after his retirement, McCartney saw him as a gifted songwriter and helped to give his songs a good home. This is why, for some, helping other artists anonymously is a sign of respect.
7. Getting Involved In Affairs That Are Beyond Their Control
Sometimes, celebrities will get involved in affairs that are beyond their control. In the case of former Beatle Ringo Starr, he tried to do everything in his power to save his marriage to his wife, Monica. However, he was overwhelmed by fame and the constant attention it brought him. This is why, for a while, he stopped trying to save his marriage and attempted to navigate his way through life as a single man. Unfortunately, this meant he didn’t get enough attention for the things he cared about, so he eventually reverted to trying to fix his marriage. He continued to put his effort into trying to save his marriage, even after he stopped responding to letters from Monica, who’d walked out on him a long time ago.
What makes this situation even more tragic is that Starr had so much sympathy for Monica. It was widely reported that, after years of being married to a bandmate who didn’t believe in showing her affection, Starr understood what it was like to be married to someone who didn’t love them. So much so that he wanted to give them a second chance at happiness. To top it off, if you look at Starr’s final days, you’ll see that he was trying to find the right song for Monica, to give her a taste of what was lost, during their relationship break up. This is one of the most moving tributes to his late wife, that he ever recorded.
One of the things that made Starr stand out was his unwavering sense of loyalty. When his bandmates had disagreements, which usually sprung from creative differences, he’d step in and help mediate. This is why, for a while, he seemed to embody the ideals of partnership and brotherhood. Sadly, even in his later years, as his health declined, he still tried to be the mediator and peacemaker among his bandmates, even if it meant he had to put his own needs last.