A phenomenological study of the post-prime life of selected Ghanaian celebrities

Abstract

This study investigated the post-prime life experiences of four Ghanaian. In exploring their lived experiences, the career transition and the changes in identity as a result of loss of fame and resources were analyzed using phenomenology as the research design, and interview as data collection method. Role Exit, identity and coming to grips with loss theories were used to analyze the data. Role Exit theory was useful in tracing the transitional experiences of the celebrities, because understanding the various types of role exit is critical to analyzing why certain celebrities maintain their fame and fortune, and others do not. Identity theory helped gauge the identity experiences of the celebrities whose identities are affected as a result of the transition, and Coming to Grips with Loss theory helped to analyze how the post- prime celebrities cope with their new identities as it places emphasis on recovery after loss. The findings revealed that the different phases of the transition journey were fraught with disappointments as a result of industrial choices they made, betrayal and their failure to connect with industry trends, thus the routes to alternatives adopted by the participants were largely unsuccessful. The study also revealed that the loss of reputation and capital forced the celebrities to adopt new identities partly from feedback from the public. In dealing with the loss of fame, the celebrities adopted a positive resilience towards the phenomenon as major coping mechanisms. The study recommended that the achieved celebrities employ professional management members to manage their affairs. Also, the intensifying of financial and investment education among members of the professional and welfare bodies in the arts and entertainment industry in Ghana must be prioritized.