How to stage a celebrity comeback

Being a celebrity takes talent, dedication and a bit of luck. Staying a celebrity is even harder, especially when those great scripts start ending up on another actor's desk. But today's obsession over fading stars means plenty of second and third chances for washed up celebrities.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Break the law, but gently. They say there's no such thing as bad press.
   Well, it's mostly true. I don't think Boy George was elated when news
   leaked about him picking up garbage as part of his community service.
   Other than that, even a minor legal infraction can be good enough to
   get E! Entertainment calling.

2. Reality show 101. No matter how far you fall off the celebrity
   radar, reality television is there to help. You might have to lose
   weight - fast - or eat gross objects, but chances are a slot on one
   show or another awaits you.

3. Date weird. You're 46 and haven't had a gig in a decade? Date a
   62-year-old. That will get the press's attention. The rest, as they
   say, is up to you.

4. Write your way back. This may be the craziest notion, but a
   has-been could always crawl back to the top by either writing a great
   new song or penning a terrific part for himself to play. The vast
   majority of the public may not be eager for your comeback, but there's
   always someone willing to take a chance.