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| Fans Buy Hollywood History at Celebrity Auction |
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It has the suspense of a sports competition.
Bidders in the auction room and around the world are vying
for a piece of Hollywood history,
like these imitation diamond earrings
worn by Marilyn Monroe.
Other items from the iconic star
include clothes and a hair curler.
There is even an invitation
to John F. Kennedy's birthday party
at New York's Madison Square Garden,
where the actress famously sang for the president.
Martin Nolan of Julien's Auctions
says fans buy memorabilia
to feel a connection with the stars.
"People are very sentimental.
If they can't get to meet the celebrity,
the next best thing and the next easiest thing would be
maybe to get to actually own something from the celebrity,
be it from their life or from their career
or just something from their home."
Some historic items from political celebrities
include an election ballot from 1994 South Africa,
when Nelson Mandela was elected president.
A 19th century document is signed by Frederick Douglass,
the former U.S. slave and abolition hero,
and another bears the signature
of Depression-era president Franklin D. Roosevelt.
But most items are from Hollywood,
including some from actor David Hasselhoff,
who is raising funds for charity.
He is auctioning items
from his 1980s series Knight Rider.
The auction includes handcuffs
worn by magician Harry Houdini,
and props and training gear
of Kung Fu star Bruce Lee.
Restaurant and bar owner Daniel Nelson is buying items
for his home and business.
"You only get this opportunity so many times.
You know, to get something that has been lost
and kind of resurfaces again
is exciting."
Martin Nolan says the auction brings many kinds of buyers,
from movie lovers to museums.
And for some it's an investment
since, with luck, celebrity memorabilia can go up in value.
Mike O'Sullivan, VOA News, Beverly Hills, California |
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