I think peoples impressions of actors when they meet them in real life often depend on the manner, the fashion and indeed the attitude with which they approach them.
It has a lot to do with the expectation of the person and what they think the actor should do...which can often be quite unrealistic.
Generally, when actors appear in public at public events such as premieres, signings, conventions etc then it's accepted they are working and they are going to meet people, and will usually be quite genial. They tend to have something to sell or promote, so it's in their interests to be genial...and often they are paid to promote whatever the event is anyway.
But...more often than not the times when people have problems with actors behaviour is when they encounter them in private moments, and somehow expect them to 'perform', sign autographs, pose for pics etc.
And when they don't, they get labelled as prima donna's, obnoxious etc.
But that's their private time, they are not working, they are off the clock. There is no reason they have to sign an autograph, it's a personal choice on their part.
I have worked in the entertainment industry and seen people hassle actors like this when they are not working, and largely because the people have been too pushy.
It's a strange concept...because if someone walked up to you in the street and asked you to answer questions pertaining to your job you would not be happy about it. And rightly so.
Oh sure...some will say 'but they get paid a ton of money, so they should put up with it'. But they are entitled to a private life, same as any person on the planet. So if they want to be left alone and they are 'off the clock', then I think their privacy should be respected.
Sadly...the demand for photo's, gossip and scandal means that there are all sorts of amateurs out there and idiots with mobile phone cameras, stalking actors and showing them in their faces and frankly, looking to provoke a reaction.
When you consider the constant intrusion they have to endure, I don't blame them for snapping occasionally or just saying leave me alone.
