By Barbara Angela Kealy, author of Double Deception, £11.99, paperback and ebook, Filament Publishing, out 24th September 2019
Double Deception
https://twitter.com/kealybarbara
My introduction to the unique lookalike world began in the 1980s. People regularly told me I looked like Alexis Colby, the glamorous and feisty protagonist in Dynasty, the hugely popular American TV series, mesmerisingly played by the equally glamorous and feisty British actress, Joan Collins. Joan was not cast as Alexis until after the first season had ended - on a cliff-hanger - but the Dame made the part her very own, blending both Joan Collins and Alexis Colby into one intriguing and memorable persona.
Of course, I loved being told how much I resembled the actress, and still do, although in recent years, I am told I look like Dame Joan Collins rather than Alexis Colby - Dynasty has not been aired for some years and Joan’s career has blossomed beyond the TV series.
Plenty forget their roots…
These days many of the more successful lookalikes and tribute artistes have left the agencies to manage their own careers. There are a few who remember that the agencies had given them the chance to get onto the unique lookalike ladder to stardom. These people continue to be managed by their agent. I continue to have confidence that my agent, Susan Scott, will pull out all the stops to secure me a 'Joanie' job.
It’s important to at least pretend to be thick-skinned…
I have learned, through being a alooklike, that one has to be rather thick skinned or at least pretend to be in order to survive in this precarious business. Most people, even in showbusiness, are far more vulnerable they appear; myself included.
For every nasty Joe Public there’s a nice one…
I have witnessed Joe Public being cutting and unnecessarily harsh when talking to lookalike or tribute artistes. I have seen some of my friends visibly crumble after being told they don't look anything like the person they are supposed to be, or that they sound nothing like Elvis, Sinatra, Elton, Amy Winehouse or Taylor Swift. Then, of course, there is the Joe Public who is typically very kind and complimentary - it is these people who help us vulnerable showbusiness types to carry on and ignore the negative comments banded about just for affect.
People will get confused…
There was one time when I was standing in a lift with Sylvie the Elizabeth Taylor lookalike - we were good friends. Sadly, Sylvie, like Elizabeth, has since passed. The lift stopped and a group of people came in. After glancing at Sylvie and I, one of the gentleman said to me, “Well hello Liz,” to which I didn't reply, choosing to grin and point to Sylvie, who was standing next to me. He then remarked, “Oh yes, of course, you must be Dame Collins.” I smiled and nodded in agreement. By now the others were laughing at his mistaken identity. I felt fabulous being mistaken as an Elizabeth Taylor lookalike, but this has happened to me on several occasions when people have enquired as to whether I’m Liz or Joan. I don't mind, as I know the celebrity world used to refer to Joan Collins as 'the poor man's Elizabeth Taylor!' (the cheek of it!).
Some people go to extreme lengths to emulate a celebrity…
I have learned that almost everybody wants to be 'top dog.' Myself included. I have known lookalike/tribute artistes spending thousands to enhance their resemblance to the celebrity they portray. Breast enhancement, straightened white teeth, nose reshaping, hair extensions and transplanting. I know of one young man who had his face completely changed in order to look exactly like the celebrity he portrayed. After all that time, money and effort the superstar he emulated had lost credibility in the world and this young man now looks exactly like the fallen star but no longer gets booked for jobs any more.
Not everyone is happy to have a lookalike!
I have learned that there are some celebrities who are happy to have a lookalike and there are some who cannot tolerate having someone earn a living by emulating them. If I were a famous celebrity, I would be disappointed if I didn't have my own lookalike; surely that proves that one has 'arrived'! One of the Madonna lookalikes was literally snubbed by the real celebrity on set a few years ago. The poor girl was introduced to Madonna who just gave her a look and turned her back.
I have met Dame Joan Collins on more than one occasion. She is always gracious but, I believe she would rather not have a lookalike. Let's just say, I have my sources of information!
I’m my own worst critic…
I have also learned that I am often own worst enemy and fiercest critic. “Don't like that photograph, nor that one. Please don't use those, I hate them!” I still dislike most of the photographs taken of me and yet, I have been complimented on all of them.
Most of us have an unhealthy obsession with glamour…
I’ve become brutally aware over the years that society does indeed have an unhealthy obsession with glamour – myself included. I wouldn't dream of leaving my house without my lippy or eye make-up. I think the world today expects us to look our best, especially for those who work as lookalike for glam people! As long as I stay healthy and alert, I hope I’ll never let her down. I like looking glamorous, even as a young child I took after my paternal Grandmother; she was a real glamour girl right up to the day she died – aged 91!
The world of lookalikes is a place of escapism…
To this day, many people still enjoy lookalike and tribute shows. It’s a world that fascinates them, as they mentally escape the drudge of day-to-day life and enter a make-believe place full of fantasy!
Being a lookalike takes dedication…
Finally, I have learned during my lookalike career that it is easy to be a natural beauty, but it takes effort and dedication to glam up every day so that when Joe Public glances your way they will like what they see… because I am a glamour girl and always will be.