Celebrities often make last-minute alterations to their plans, so bodyguards need to be flexible and adaptable. They should also be able to communicate effectively and disclose any possible hazards or threats. Celebrities may also be followed by journalists or fans, so bodyguards need to be able to quickly identify any suspicious individuals and disperse them.
Some celebrities, like Halle Berry (net worth $100 million), swear by their bodyguards, referring to them as personal friends. Others, such as Angelina Jolie (net worth about $1 billion), have a whole team of armed security guards to protect her and her six children.
Working as a celebrity bodyguard can be exhilarating, but it’s also dangerous and difficult. The job requires a lot of physical and emotional stress, as the operatives must remain on high alert at all times. Bodyguards must be able to recognize and neutralize a range of threats, including paparazzi, stalkers, psychotic fans, and more.
Many prestigious bodyguard firms only accept applicants with prior military or law enforcement training. They must be physically fit, and they must have the ability to assess a situation quickly and respond accordingly. They must also have high intelligence, enabling them to zero in on potential threats in a crowd. Some bodyguards have a close relationship with their client, even becoming like a “buddy guard,” but this can be problematic for the safety of both parties. Moreover, the operatives need to be professional and avoid any negative public behavior, as it could reflect negatively on their client. Joseph Daher