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9 Ways to Get Famous for Doing (Almost) Nothing

Sometimes, talent is secondary to becoming a celebrity. See the creative methods that got these notable names (Balloon Boy! Paris Hilton!) in the news. By Ali Gray (10 Photos)

Ali Gray on Oct 19, 2009 at 3:14PM

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9 Ways to Get Famous for Doing (Almost) Nothing

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Get Creative with Your Publicity Stunts

Take inspiration from the Heene family. When their taste of fame on Wife Swap wasn’t enough, they cooked up one of the most bizarre hoaxes of all time -- pretending their 6-year-old son Falcon was flying away in a runaway helium balloon. Too bad the little boy blew their cover when he admitted it was all "for the show" on CNN. Warning: If you try this tactic, be prepared to face the consequences. The Heenes could be looking at up to six years in prison and a $500,000 fine.