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Love her or hate her, you have to admit that Katie plays the Hollywood game, keeping her fans guessing and intrigued. The way she appears not to care for the Hollywood glitz and glamour leaves you wondering whether she would prefer to be back in her small hometown. She has a successful and flourishing love/hate, give/take relationship with her fans; she knows she has control of their heartstrings but doesn't always play them. According to many fans, Katie’s number one offense is the way she shies away from personal questions and does not put herself into the media spotlight at every opportunity. Why should she though? Katie has gotten where she has by sticking to what she knows. And what she knows is how to act. What Katie may not realize is that by fulfilling her dream of acting she must also pay the high price of fame: in part, to keep her life available to the lens of every camera and the acknowledgement of strangers on the streets. In all honesty it would be best for Katie to realize that her fans are making her what she is and are supporting her in what she will be. Does that mean she should sell her soul for magazine covers and top interviews? No. Does it mean that she should divulge a bit more? Perhaps – in being that she has to learn to either accept it or reject it – there is no middle ground with a celebrity status. While I am not saying Katie owes it to the media or her fans to, in essence, open up her life to the public as if it were a Hollywood story, she could be a bit friendlier and learn to trust herself more in interviews and in public. She still comes across as the shy teenage girl who is overwhelmed at the opportunity to be in the industry. To be not only accepted but respected, Katie has to start acting like she belongs and grow up. Katie’s background appears to be a major contributor to the celebrity image she chooses to maintain. Katie has morals and values and a sense of respect and common decency that although seen in other Hollywood actors, always appears natural with Katie rather than part of a “girl next-door” act. You don't often see Katie out partying and acting like some of those considered to be in the young Hollywood elite. Very seldom do you hear her using bad language in interviews and she is always dressed appropriately for any event she goes to. This respectfulness seems to be due to a close relationship with her family and her upbringing in a small town. She knows that her parents and family are being represented to a magnitude that many cannot fathom and she chooses to accept and respect that. If that means she is not running in the same crowds as the “hip and young Hollywood” nor making more money by compromising her standards and beliefs, then I believe she is already much richer than those that have. Giving her traditional half-smile and constant direct eye contact Katie can mesmerize and intimidate even the most successful of interviewers and she knows it. When offered, Katie chooses not to take the bait of political and current event questions and instead maintains her silent demeanor. In 2001 Katie promoted “Dawson’s Creek” with co-star Joshua Jackson in a series of joint interviews and while Joshua gave his views and beliefs on a variety of current events, Katie quietly sat looking directly into the camera not giving a hint of what she believed or thought. This silent yet loud demeanor appeared once again when Katie hosted Christmas in Washington in 2002 for President George W. Bush. Reporters and fans alike thought this may provide a clue about Katie's political preference. Yet again though, everyone was left guessing and intrigued when Katie presented the show and left without giving any hint of what she thought or believed. But maybe this intriguing move was more powerful than if she were to give an interview and lay out her preferences party by party, plan by plan. To conclude, I think the fact of the matter is simple: Katie loves acting but does not like the results of being in the industry. This is exemplified by her nervous disposition in big crowds and vanishing acts between projects. She leaves you wanting to know more about her because you feel connected through the characters she portrays. She frustrates the media by not taking the designated Hollywood path of lies, sex and, of course, rehab; yet she earns the respect of fans and peers by flying above that designated path. I think her talent speaks for itself but is not completely developed yet for as with all true talent, it will constantly grow.
From Oshram: As an afterthought I have noticed Katie generally comes off much better in print interviews. Some intelligent people are just like that, and some very creative people just don't give good interviews. I'd rather Katie stay away from some topics rather than blather on like some other stars in her age range. From JC: While I agree with many of your points, I have a problem with one of your main theories. I don't think Katie is playing any "game," as that would imply that the way she interacts with her fans and the media is part of some plan that she has. Unfortunately, I think in her desire to keep certain things (i.e. her relationship with Chris) private, she can become almost paranoid in not answering questions that frankly aren't that personal. She recently appeared in the March edition of "Arena" magazine, and the interviewer for the piece seemed frustrated at her inability to answer questions like: "On what movie have you tried too hard?" As you said in your opinion: "She still comes across as the shy teenage girl who is overwhelmed at the opportunity to be in the industry." That was cute when she WAS a teenager just starting out - but she's now 25 and frankly that "act" has gotten a bit old. I can name actors younger than her who convey the same wholesome attitudes Katie possesses, but can answer questions without it seeming like your asking them for their ATM password. I guess what is most distressing to me is Katie seems to be regressing in her relationship with her fans and the media. It's really wonderful to watch Katie mature as an actor, but it would be nice to also feel some sort of attachment to the person "behind the role." From Jay: As a fairly recent newfound fan of Katie Holmes, I daresay this article to which I'm replying is somewhat on par with my only dissent being that Miss Holmes needs to open up more to her fan base in regards to her personal life. I frequent this site quite often to get the details of her work: projects, release dates, etc., rather than rummage through sordid and painstakingly trivial details of her personal life. I find it somewhat disenchanting that motion picture (big and small screen) and music artists must subject their lives ad nauseum to their fans. Maybe I'm unique in that I respect and become a fan of people for their body and quality of work rather than their personal relationships and political affiliations. Who cares? And if you do, what right is it of yours to give a damn? Actors deserve to have fans based on their work. Enjoy the thrill of their performances. And in the case of Miss Holmes, enjoy the rise of her talent, of which there seems to be ample amounts to sustain her in her life's endeavour. From Mike: I agree with most of what Abby said, but I disagree with the "leaves you wanting more" bit. To me, the way she acts in interviews puts me off, and were I someone reading a Katie interview for the first time rather than a fan, it would give me a negative opinion of her. In a recent interview Sarah Polley (Katie's co-star in "Go") spoke about the way she has been portrayed in the press. "I was militant. I did take myself too seriously. But that's the problem with deciding not to create an image for yourself: People create one for you. And for the last nine years I've been different, but this humorless, angry person kept coming across in the media." And that's what I fear will happen to Katie if she continues being so closed off that she alienates people when in reality she's likely quite pleasant. One celebrity who I feel safe in saying we're all sick of these days is Ben Affleck. He's really only partly to blame for his overexposure, but he has a good outlook on his role in the public eye. He knows what's expected of him and accepts it: "Is there something I would do differently? Not really. I suppose the temptation is to say that I wouldn't have done any of the press we did for "Gigli," but you're paid really well to do these movies, and the expectation is that you're going to support them." After all the media has done to him, I'd say his attitude is still far better than Katie's. Maybe because she didn't have to work as hard as most to get where she is the spotlight doesn't mean as much to her. (Note: I'm not saying she didn't work hard, but let's face it, she had it pretty easy compared to all those who had to wait tables for years before their big break.) So who cares if people dislike her for being cold in interviews? For one, the interviewers. They want and need ratings or readers, and a cold fish won't attract a lot of eyeballs. And who wants to work with someone who can't help promote their film? I'm not saying her life needs to be a book in order to get work; like Abby, I just think she needs to loosen the hell up. Katie, you have a good life. Try to look like you're enjoying it! From Lauren: I think Katie is different from all the other actors in Hollywood because she is incredibly sweet and humble. I have never heard a fan say she was rude to them or to go to take a picture. She keeps her business out of the tabloids and stays away from the media. A lot of people can relate to her because she is so humble, shy and keeps in touch with her family. We have seen Katie start her career and stay consistent through the years. She is just a phenominal actress, and she does not even act as if she knows it. She never throws her fame in anyone's face. I think people feel they could befriend her and all the characters she plays. She will always be the girl next door. I think she will continue to be very successful. She is not like the other actors who fade away. She is much cooler and nicer. I wish her the very best. From Karen: Living in Wilmington, NC and being celebrity is alot different than being in Hollywood. I've lived and worked in Burbank, CA and although I haven't lived in Wilmington I have lived in small towns. In small towns, even though celebrities are nearby, the locals give the celebs their space. In Burbank, I saw many celebrities on the street, crossing the parking lot with their pizza or having lunch in an outdoor cafe. Sometimes, if it is just one person casually asking for an autograph, the intrusion is seen positively. In Katie's case I've seen a multitude of people crowding in on her and that is when I see her expression change. It is a different environment that she is getting use to and as fans I think we have to give her some room. From Jack: I believe that it is us the fans that get out of hand. Sure we like to know all we can but we sometimes forget that she is a star part-time but a person all the time. From Marika: I first become interested in Katie basically because she was pretty and I liked her work on Dawson's Creek. Then when I started to get to know her better by reading interviews and visiting her fansites, I realized she's not just a pretty face but also a wondeful person, someone I could very well imagine having as a good friend. I think in the long haul it's better that she uses her energy on finding good projects and spending time with her family and friends, instead of going to Hollywood parties and premieres all the time. That makes the moments when we do see her in public even more special. I think if she keeps going the way she is now, she will have a long career filled with interesting and challenging projects. She may never become a superstar, but is that something she, or us fans, would really want? From Stephanie: Being a huge Katie Holmes fan as I am, I like that she doesn't discuss her personal life. Because lord knows we don't need anymore J.Lo's and Britney Spears' at this point. Media tends to pry too much into the private lives of Hollywood entertainers and I feel that it is none of the public's business. I mean if Katie feels that we should know something, she has the option of telling us. Plus, this way you don't get sick and tired of hearing about her. Granted, it would be nice to hear more about her, but I am sick of all the ones that the media has exploited. Different is good and I feel she is. There are a few actors that keep their private life in the distance and I believe that it is not a downfall - if anything it is nice to hear about Katie the "actor" and not Katie the gossip of magazines at large. If you know what I am getting at. As for the shyness while being interviewed: that just makes you feel like you are talking to someone who is just like everyone else. I get nervous and I think it is good to show that sometimes in Hollywood, because "too sure" is sometimes unappealing. Katie being shy shows that Hollywood hasn't gone to her head and that she has some flaws and nervous qualities. Because I think that most stars - they don't show their weaknesses - but when we have someone who does, that separates them from the bunch and I personally find it easier to relate to. So, Katie if you are reading, keep up the good work and just do what you believe is right. I will always be a fan and stand by your decisions. From Robin: I agree and disagree with certain statements in this editorial. There was one line that bothered me: "To be not only accepted but respected, Katie has to start acting like she belongs and grow up". Katie has grown up a lot since she was 18 and shooting season one of Dawson's Creek; just look at her first appearance of Letterman compared to her latest one, she has matured greatly. I don't think that she has to open up her life to the public's eye at all though, and I doubt, especially come her wedding day, that she will start. My opinion is it's her life. Let her do what she wants, her personal life is personal. I thought that when Katie was on Revealed with Jules Asner, she was really "revealed". The story about her mother being sick, if I was in Katie's position, I wouldn't have told it, because it is so revealing. Also, the sentence, "This is exemplified by her nervous disposition in big crowds and vanishing acts between projects", I disagree with. I really don't think that Katie "vanishes" between projects, she just goes home to live without cameras. I do not think that there is anything wrong with that at all, and in fact many Hollywood stars participate in the practice. Just because an actor isn't in the tabliods doesn't mean they aren't mature or well liked or that they are necessarily nervous. There was one big thing that I agreed on though. The third paragraph talked about Katie's reputation and how she is a good role model, mostly because of her upbringing. Her family seems like they raised her very well, and they all seem really sweet and like really good people. From Chase: As a fan I don't mind her to be shy and mysterious or even aloof because that's what makes me keep wanting more from her..coz sometimes if we know too much about a particular celebrity the intrigue-factor of that celebrity tends to disappear - the excitement surounding him/her tends to lessen because there is no mystery anymore. I also think that she wants to be an actress purely because she wants to act and not because she wants to be famous and share her whole life or even some of it with the whole world...I think as time goes by and she becomes more comfortable about the celebrity thing she'll be more open about some things - but not in a J.Lo type of way. I'm going to leave you with this statement that Julia Roberts said in an interview and I think it applies to Katie so here it is: Julia said "I'm just a simple girl who has an extraordinary job". Love you Katie Holmes and keep up the good work!!! From Stacie: I think Katie is a wonderful actress with a face that draws you in and holds you in a trance, not just because of her beauty, her acting gets better and better. In all the interviews she does, she just seems honest, a little guarded but very real. I think her family has alot to do with her life and she wants to protect them from the Hollywood crap. I wish she would be more open with her relationship, but then again what would she say? I think if I were Katie I would be scared, anything you say can be turned against you and you can be the joke for all late night talk show hosts...so I would agree she loves acting and she will keep earning peoples respect - she has mine! From Liana: Very well said. That is what I like about Katie: she keeps us guessing and is sometimes mysterious. I also think that she loves to act and just doesn't care too much for the celebrity status that comes with it; who does really? I think she is very talented and will be around for many years.
From Gillian: Katie keeps it real, she doesn't need flashy clothes, cars, and jewelry. She doesn't go to every Hollywood party or event. She keeps very private and on the low. She tries to live as normal as possible. She doesn't need to create scandals or controversy like other Hollywood celebs. She just doesn't put herself out there like that. She continues to still live in the real world...and that is just fine with me. She is just Katie: mature, intelligent, wholesome and sweet.
From Charlotte: I would have to agree with you, Abby, on many accounts. First, I agree that Katie is a lot different than many other stars, because she really doesn't talk about her personal life, which I know many other Hollywood stars, pour out their juicy life story EVERY time they get interviewed! Second, when I met Katie, I could tell that she was very overwhelmed which makes me agree with the fact that she is not very used to LA, and does sometimes get overwhelmed and most likely misses her hometown, as well. Finally, I think that her role on Dawson's Creek has most likely crafted her image in some ways, because of her character, "the girl next door," and she is, in some ways, LA's girl next door! So, basically, I think Abby did a great job capturing the points of what makes Katie different from all those other Hollywood stars. And that's one of the reasons I love Katie so much!
From April5: I don't like the way this essay has been written, it feels as if you're analysing a rare species of some sort instead of a human being. Who actually cares about categorising Katie into a particular type of celebrity. I always think of Katie as someone I could easily bump into in the road and I like the way she keeps a low profile. I hardly think this is employed deliberately, it's just the way she is as a person. One of the biggest reasons I became so interested in Katie was because of her Joey demeanor, her shy and respectable ways. I think she's great just the way she is and handles herself in a way I think is most appropriate. I really don't see the point of this essay, its merely pointed out the obvious and left nothing to dwell on. From Valerie: I totally agree with your statement! I love katie and she is one of the most talented young stars out there today, with a very promising career! But I do agree that Katie should open up a little more. I don't think she should spill the beans on all of her life, some things are better left personal, but Katie has to know that her fans are here to support her not attack her. She is a great role model for a lot of young women out there, although we do not need to know every detail about her personal life. I feel as you get older the shyness is something you should work on and get over. Especially in her line of work, it's hard to understand that someone that shy can act infront of people. I hope to see many more years of Katie, she's great and I will forever be a fan! From Will: I don't see the "acting talent bug" as of yet. All the movies I have seen her in and the characters she has portrayed have been 'forgetable' - I haven't met anyone that can walk out of her movies and say, "what an actress" or "who was that". We are praising these "extras" due to their appearance - that's what Hollywood has turned into. Give her a Revlon or Maybelline contract and get out there and recruit the Meryl Streeps and Sally Fields of the future - people like Natalie Portman. From Thomas: I am quite happy with the personna that Katie Holmes gives to the fans. She is a refreshing change to the current bunch of young Hollywood actors and actresses who seem to divulge too much about themselves. I admire her ability for keeping her career and her personal life separate. From jam04: I think that katie has a healthy and observant insight into the entertainment business as a whole. She gives what she feels is enough of herself in articles and interviews that she feels comfortable with. Her hesitance at revealing more about herself doesn't say to me that she is still coming across as the shy teenage girl who is unsure of herself, it states to me that she has integrity and class. She should decide what is to be said about her private thoughts, views, and opinions, not her fans. I think sometimes people are masking their need to know everything about their favorite star by saying she is too reserved when in fact some people may just be too nosy. In the past, young actress such as Meryl Streep, and current ones such as Cate Blanchett have always stuck to giving us the fans a great performance. That is all they owe anyone: movies that are worth our $10, not their political views nor their private thoughts on marriage, children, or what they eat for dinner. I loved DC, which, like many, is where I know of Katie Holmes the actress. I have enjoyed her performances over the years and hope I continue to as she focuses more on films. Anything else is just gravy! From Ian: Katie holmes is, for me, a step above most of the rest. I think you hit most of the reasons why on the head, but I want to add a little. In addition to her moderation, incredible versatility/talent and dedication to acting, she avoids all the stereotypes of Hollywood and yet still manages to embody all the qualities that go along with them. She's beautiful without being haughty, she's the cutest girl on this earth (especially her smile), she has a range of facial expressions you could list on a resume, and she and only one other actress (Sandra Bullock) seem to be able to retain their personality, quirks and all, and still give each character it's own life, thus avoiding the one-role-fits-all of great comedian Jack Black and the I'm-just-the-character-with-no-personal-input of many many actors/actresses. In short, she's the female equivalent of Johnny Depp. From Sam: I absolutely disagree with the second paragraph. Katie does NOT have to be in the media's eye at all. Her job is to be an actress not a Hollywood gal. She doesn't have to open up her life to people, not even a tiny bit. It's her life, not ours! From Lenny: More words would certainly be nice from Katie; but we really don't need them, because we know exactly who and what she is from her actions which speak louder than words. By her evident talent, exquisite beauty, genuine goodness and the absolute cleanliness of her actions, Katie gains the respect and affection of everyone. That's what makes her stand out from the crowd. I wish that more movie stars would do that and cut out the trashiness. Less is more! Right on Katie! Thank you to all that contributed! We apologise for not being able to share all responses.
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