Iain Kelly

FADING STAR

Olivia Hildebrand drained the bottle of beer. She took a long drag on a cigarette and stubbed it out on her expensive Armani dress.

She tripped, one of her Gucci heels had broken, and landed on the ground. She looked up at the Hollywood sign looming brightly over her.

‘This is how it ends then.’ She stared at her own face. ‘Not even a big enough star for a wax museum anymore.’

Well, it had been an exhilarating ride while it had lasted.

She hurled the head away and watched her younger face smash to pieces on a rock.

broken-face-liz
© Liz Young

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

Feature photo – © Richard Lund

Iain Kelly

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95 responses to “FADING STAR”

  1. misstalkaholic Avatar
    misstalkaholic

    Thrilling

    Like

    Reply
  2. neilmacdon Avatar
    neilmacdon

    The interesting thing is, despite the ravages of time and the unfeeling world, she seems quite calm about it

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Drunken acceptance I was going for, she’ll be back on her feet after the alcohol wears off.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  3. ceayr Avatar
    ceayr

    Nicely drawn portrait of bitterness and disillusionment.
    Good stuff, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Bitterness and disillusionment – we writers have got plenty of experience to fall back on there. 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  4. Jessie Ansons Avatar
    Jessie Ansons

    I love the link to the prompt! And a nice message in this piece too. Great title!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Jessie, very kind.

      Like

      Reply
  5. Liz Young Avatar
    Liz Young

    Photographs of our younger selves are bad enough – thank God I’m never going to be famous enough for a waxwork.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Liz, I always find the waxworks look a bit dead behind the eyes anyway, quite sinister. Speaking of sinister, thanks for the photo prompt this week!

      Like

      Reply
  6. FabricatingFiction Avatar
    FabricatingFiction

    So poignant. How quickly some stars can fade.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Some burn brightly and quickly. That’s the fickleness and vanity of society though. Thanks Louise.

      Like

      Reply
  7. Snow's Fissures and Fractures Avatar
    Snow’s Fissures and Fractures

    I loved what you saw and where you took us. Nicely done!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Many thanks!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. Lynn Love Avatar
    Lynn Love

    A real Sunset Boulevard feel to this Iain. Tragic and yet inevitable too – no one’s star shines forever. Love how you’ve written this.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Lynn, nice to be compared to a film classic!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Lynn Love Avatar
        Lynn Love

        My total pleasure 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  9. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    I was thinking of a particular Twilight Zone myself. Stardom is such a fleeting thing. You captured the fading starlet brilliantly.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It’s such a shame that for a lot of actors, women especially, stardom is related to looks and youth regardless of talent. Thanks, glad you liked it.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. David K Avatar
    David K

    Very well written and poignant, Iain. You’ve captured the feeling well — the feeling of somebody resigning to despair and defeat after a life of striving (and self-destruction). It made me think of that line from Eliot: ‘This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but a whimper.’

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Resignation was what I was going for, and there’s not whole lot you can do about getting older. Maybe she’ll get one last hurrah and go out with a bang!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. shehannemoore Avatar
    shehannemoore

    Sunset Boulevard supreme.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. J Hardy Carroll Avatar
    J Hardy Carroll

    Excellent. Made me think of the old Westworld and the Faceless Men in Martin’s books.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks J Hardy.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. justjoyfulness Avatar
    justjoyfulness

    Loved it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you!

      Like

      Reply
  14. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    Perfect mood for this photo.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Many thanks.

      Like

      Reply
  15. Rowena Avatar
    Rowena

    Great story full of passion.
    My only thoughts would be to re-visit the second paragraph. You have two sentences starting with she and could mix it up a bit.
    Liked the reference to the wax museum.
    xx Rowena

    Like

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Rowena, and thanks for the suggestion. I like the repetition of ‘She’ as it is, I like to try and keep it plain and simple. Iain 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  16. James Avatar
    James

    If you haven’t seen it already, I highly recommend the 1950 film “Sunset Boulevard starring William Holden and Gloria Swanson. Swanson plays a formerly famous actress who has “aged out” but dreams of a big comeback.

    Some of the cast include silent film stars Hedda Hopper, Buster Keaton, Anna Q Nilsson, and H.B. Warner. Your wee tale reminded me of the movie.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks James, I have a copy of it somewhere, been a while since I watched it, always worth revisiting. Glad my story reminded you of it.

      Like

      Reply
  17. Indira Avatar
    Indira

    Excellent take on the photo prompt. It’s same everywhere for female stars especially. beautifully written.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Indira, unfortunately no sign of it changing anytime soon.

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
      1. Indira Avatar
        Indira

        That’s true but hoping for the best.

        Liked by 1 person

  18. nonsmokingladybug Avatar
    nonsmokingladybug

    She doesn’t deserve an Armani dress. Even a drunk lady knows not to use it to stub out a cigarette.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      That’s how low she’s gone! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. nonsmokingladybug Avatar
        nonsmokingladybug

        That’s not low, that’s stupid 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  19. Sandra Avatar
    Sandra

    Very Gloria Swanson. Liked it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Sandra

      Like

      Reply
  20. Dave Avatar
    Dave

    Nicely written. Acceptance tinged with tragedy

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Cheers Dave.

      Like

      Reply
  21. Fatima Fakier Deria Avatar
    Fatima Fakier Deria

    I sensed an older actress, unsuccessful auditions, rumours in the tabloids. I felt her resignation alright! Maybe if she had built her career on more than just her looks, she could be Betty White, or Meryl Streep, or my favourite, Helen Mirren.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you. Sadly I think even talented actresses (and some men too) can be cast aside when their looks fade, maybe she just needs to start auditioning for different kinds of roles.

      Like

      Reply
  22. jellico84 Avatar
    jellico84

    To bad society judges people so much on their looks instead of their intelligence and creativity! 🙂 Great story!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, and I agree – not just for actors either!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. jellico84 Avatar
        jellico84

        No, it’s not. I had a good job in sales with an electronics retail store, and after my accident (and facial reconstruction) the District’s GM fired me. Reason given: “You’ve lost the “cute” value.” Had nothing to do with the fact that I was at top sales that earned me $10K @ 2% commission on sales in only fifteen minutes that morning. I haven’t been able to find any steady work since.. That was 21 years ago.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Iain Kelly Avatar
        Iain Kelly

        That’s a horrendous story. Hopefully things have changed in the last 21 years to make sure that doesn’t happen anymore. And the District GM is no longer in a position of power.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. jellico84 Avatar
        jellico84

        Actually, the entire company has been sent into virtual non-existence, shutting down 98% thereabouts of their stores. Karma bites! She laughs.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Iain Kelly Avatar
        Iain Kelly

        Ha, they got what they deserved definitely 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  23. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    Everyone said what I wanted to… excellent portrayal of Hollywood’s cruelty…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Dale, always value your feedback 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  24. trentpmcd Avatar
    trentpmcd

    The limelight does fade, but the indignity of having your wax figure booted… Nice portrait of yesteryear’s star.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Yeah, definitely a blow if they return your wax head in the post! Thanks Trent 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  25. Keith's Ramblings Avatar
    Keith’s Ramblings

    Star today, meteorite tomorrow! Oh well.

    Click to read my story!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Better to have soared brightly through space than have never flown at all. Or something like that. Thanks Keith.

      Like

      Reply
  26. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar
    Alicia Jamtaas

    I must admit I gasped when I read the part about the cigarette being snuffed out on the dress. THAT line, to me, said it all.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Alicia, glad a detail like that had an impact!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  27. Life Lessons of a Dog Lover Avatar
    Life Lessons of a Dog Lover

    I was caught up in this dark tale, then the last line made me smile, until I realized that this is a still a tragedy. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      A tragedy of sorts. She still might pick herself up from here. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  28. wmqcolby Avatar
    wmqcolby

    Excellent, Iain. I enjoy the Hollywood scene, but I like the take on the prompt. Super!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Many thanks

      Like

      Reply
  29. Leaking Ink Avatar
    Leaking Ink

    ‘Not even a big enough star for a wax museum anymore’ – great line, but such a sad story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, much appreciated.

      Like

      Reply
  30. rgayer55 Avatar
    rgayer55

    Poor gal. Fame is so fleeting. The public is always looking for something new and fresh.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  31. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    It’s a terrible day when even your waxwork gets retired 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It’s not a good day, that’s for sure!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  32. beautyswot Avatar
    beautyswot

    Brilliant

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  33. Mike Avatar
    Mike

    Tonight my to comment won’t flow, but you wrote a fine story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Michael

      Like

      Reply
  34. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    it’s definitely one of your best. well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Many thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  35. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) Avatar
    Björn Rudberg (brudberg)

    Just listened to the story of Peg Entwistle … though she was not old yet, being discarded is harsh in Hollywood…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  36. Michael Wynn Avatar
    Michael Wynn

    Expertly captured dillusionment

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Michael.

      Like

      Reply
  37. Balaka Avatar
    Balaka

    The pathos of a fading star aptly portrayed. The sadness, the disheartened feeling…loved it

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, much appreciated

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  38. Emily Livingstone Avatar
    Emily Livingstone

    I love the final line–it tells us a lot about her. Nice take on the prompt!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Emily!

      Like

      Reply
  39. Clare Hempstead Avatar
    Clare Hempstead

    I am taken aback by how some former stars look when they are older. The sad thing is, I think they still see themselves as they once were. Nicely told.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I think your right Clare, very few grow old gracefully. That might be society’s fault as much as the individual’s. Thanks.

      Like

      Reply
  40. Dawn Quyle Landau Avatar
    Dawn Quyle Landau

    It’s hard enough aging in my simple world (back pain this week, knee last week), but brutal in Tinsel Town! Very evocative, Lain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Dawn. Better to grow old gracefully out of the limelight 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  41. Tamal Avatar
    Tamal

    Nice. Throwing ones own head away that’s a striking image.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks, I thought so.

      Like

      Reply
  42. The Reclining Gentleman Avatar
    The Reclining Gentleman

    It must be hard when that adulation moves on to others. It takes a strong personality to cope with fame, and a stronger one to cope without it.
    Nicely told

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  43. gahlearner Avatar
    gahlearner

    Better the wax face shatters than the real one. She seems resiliant despite the disillusion. Great atmosphere.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks, I think she has the resilience to bounce back once she gets over the set back.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  44. lingeringvisions by Dawn Avatar
    lingeringvisions by Dawn

    Good take. I was with her the whole time.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Dawn

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  45. Sarah Potter Writes Avatar
    Sarah Potter Writes

    Some Hollywood actors less reliant on good looks for stardom, seem to command leading parts right up until the end of their lives.
    This story is a wonderful example of how cruel the whole scene can be to those who are no longer useful.
    Such a fickle world.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Fickle indeed, thanks Sarah.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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