制霸好莱坞

"Did you see the interview in People?" Jon quickly typed in their MSN chat. "OMG, they even released a clear photo of her modeling! What a pleasant surprise!"

"JJ is way too low-key," Harry responded with a crying emoji. "Now we've only got three or five new photos, and if People hadn't used the interview to lure her out, she probably wouldn't have shared those precious shots." For the first batch of JJ fans like Jon and Harry—who, due to their smaller numbers, had banded together to compete with the larger Jennifer fanbase—the past month had felt like a dream. Jennifer Jefferson, the niche newcomer they'd been following, had finally won widespread recognition. When Disney announced that she would play Elizabeth in Pirates of the Caribbean, everyone on the IMDb discussion boards was celebrating.

Of course, not all voices were positive. Some extreme Josh Branch fans posted harsh comments, saying things like "she's not good-looking," "she's not famous enough," and "she's no Natalie Portman." However, these remarks were quickly drowned out by newer posts. Some musical theater fans were disappointed that Jennifer would be leaving Broadway for half a year to shoot the film. The Shubert Theater had announced that she was departing early to film a movie, rather than fulfilling her contract. Her return was vaguely scheduled for December—possibly in time for the Christmas performance, the highest-profile show of the year.

While starring in a major blockbuster was undeniably exciting, many fans who loved musicals more than Jennifer's Hollywood success felt she was abandoning her roots. Just as she was gaining popularity, she was leaving the stage she once graced. However, these opinions were in the minority. Most fans were in celebration mode, especially since her mysterious personal life was finally beginning to unravel.

Jennifer's agency had been criticized for its lack of updates, especially on IMDb, where her profile remained basic—just her height and weight, with a complete blank on her personal life, education, career history, and even her age. Her fans had long accepted this as part of loving her, but now, with Jennifer cast in a high-profile role, they expected more attention from the media.

To their disappointment, though, Jennifer had already wrapped up her theater run and left for the set, so gossip magazines focused more on speculating whether Disney's decision to cast her meant they would turn Pirates of the Caribbean into a musical, much like their previous adaptations of The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. The New York magazines, digging up old photos, were still using them to try and sell stories.

Even so, for JJ's devoted fans, this scarcity of news was still a satisfying indulgence. The newer, more impatient fans complained about the lack of resources, but the old fans, who had weathered the quiet times, were focused on buying tickets for the upcoming Chicago performances. Some sharp-eyed fans even found new details in the photos released by the media, including a simple ring on Jennifer's finger. Was it a wedding ring? An engagement ring? Or a chastity ring? Opinions varied widely, but no one knew for sure. Still, many fans who had been following Jennifer closely recalled seeing her wear a similar ring before, although there was no diamond. It didn't mean much—many wedding rings weren't traditional. Given how secretive Jennifer's private life was, the idea that she could have a husband didn't seem entirely far-fetched.

Jon was certain many fans—both male and female—would be heartbroken if Jennifer were taken.

Today's interview in People had ignited a storm among fans on message boards and newly formed Yahoo groups. The interview revealed a new, sweet photo of Jennifer smiling, looking much younger than her nickname "professional prisoner" suggested. She appeared no older than 20, immediately debunking the rumors of her being married. But the most shocking part of the interview was the reveal of her personal history.

Jennifer had previously given brief interviews, but they were always over the phone and short on details. People was the first to disclose her true age and provide a fuller picture of her life. The rumor that she was a European movie star was swiftly debunked. Jennifer was American. She came from a low-income family, with a father who was a criminal and a mother who abandoned her. After growing up in foster care and completing public high school, she moved to Hollywood to make money for college. While working as a waitress, she studied acting at a community college. Eventually, she caught the attention of the director of Chicago, and her performance there led her to Broadway. Her luck didn't stop there; Disney was so impressed with her tape that they immediately cast her as Elizabeth in Pirates of the Caribbean.

Jennifer's rags-to-riches story—coupled with her honesty in the interview—impressed many. June, whose childhood had been spent in the affluent Upper West Side of Manhattan, felt conflicted. The difference in their backgrounds made her uncomfortable at first, but Jennifer's grounded personality and her decision to wear a chastity ring silenced those doubts. June was convinced now—Jennifer wasn't the "bad girl" many people expected her to be.

"My mom says Jennifer should be this year's national youth leader, or maybe a spokesperson," June said. Though her mother was also a fan, her enthusiasm was more measured. After reading People's interview, however, June's mom was even more supportive. "She really represents the American dream."

"Don't get ahead of yourself," Harry texted, his tone slightly jealous. "Some people are already speculating when she'll take the ring off. Hollywood isn't exactly a convent."

By August 2002, Josh Branch had become the number one star on IMDb. His role in Star Wars: Episode II had captivated fans, and rumors of his closeness with Natalie Portman were everywhere. Jon was one of those who believed their connection was genuine. "Josh and Jennifer? There's no chemistry there," she replied. "Isn't he still wrapped up in that scandal with Natalie?"

"That's just publicity," Harry shot back. "Trust me, you'll see news about Josh and Jennifer soon. JJ is Hollywood's new mainstream star. Look at the forums. There's already so much buzz about her after People—our Yahoo group is flooded with posts. It won't be long before you see fashion analysis threads on her style."

Jon felt guilty. She, too, wanted fashion experts to analyze Jennifer's understated yet elegant street style, which often looked like something out of a fashion magazine. She had long dreamed of more people appreciating her idol.

"Maybe you're right," Jon typed, feeling a pang of loss. "But she'll never be our JJ again. All these new fans make things feel strange. I just need some space to think."

Harry's response came quickly: "Maybe so. But we'll see each other again, right?"

Jon sent a sad emoji. "Does this mean you're leaving the fan group for good?"

"Aha! You scared?" Harry replied, sending a laughing face to lighten the mood.

Jon was relieved, but still a little uncertain. She'd lost track of how often she and Harry hung out to watch shows and talk about their favorite actress. If Harry left the fan group, it would feel like a piece of her life was gone.

"Well, are we still going to see Chicago together?" she asked.

"Of course!" Harry responded enthusiastically. "I love you, I love you! Tell me where we're sitting!"

Jon laughed. The premiere tickets for Chicago were difficult to get, but she had managed to secure two fan tickets. Though they were likely for the back row, she knew Harry would be thrilled just to be there.

"The last row," Jon typed.

Harry didn't care about the seating. "No problem! I'll treat you to a huge meal afterward! We'll find out when Jennifer is coming back, and we'll buy tickets for the Broadway show too. It's going to be epic!"

Jon smiled at her phone screen. "Can't wait for November!"

Then, thinking ahead, she added, "Next time we meet, bring your camera. We can post pictures of our tickets on the forum!" Digital cameras were still a new trend, and Harry had one that could upload photos directly to the computer—Jon was envious. If Harry brought his camera, they wouldn't have to deal with developing and scanning film.

"No problem," Harry responded, his tone now light. He didn't mention his earlier comment about retiring from the fan group. "I wonder what Jennifer's doing now... Probably flirting with Josh Branch on set..."

Author's Note:

I forgot to mention that dental care in the United States is quite expensive, and many services are not covered by insurance. People without money often can't afford to visit the dentist. Clean, white teeth = wealth in the U.S.Yahoo discussion groups were a popular way for star chasers to connect in 2002, even though they never gained the same traction in China.