Snooker genius Alex Higgins was found dead in his Belfast flat a few days ago. He was 61. Alex had battled throat cancer for 10 years and recent photographs showed him to have become a skeletal ghost of a man.

I recently suggested in this column that someone should open a nursing home for retired playboys.

But, seriously, how poignant is it that Alex Higgins died alone with no one to hold his hand as he slipped away? Alex had plenty of friends; I know that. But, still, his final years were not the peaceful retirement that they should have been. Fame is a poisoned chalice, isn't it? For it seems that the more popular a personality becomes, the less time they have for the things in life that really matter.

And, consequently, when the flashbulbs and cheering fans have moved on to the next phenomenon, will there be anyone to hold the hand of an ailing snooker player, footballer, singer or actor?

And how much more difficult is it to look after a troubled, yet talented personality such as Alex Higgins?

People who knew Alex said he was one of the best snooker players of all time, but that he had a 'fiery temper' and that he wasn't 'everyone's cup of tea'.

I don't know much about snooker, but I do have some experience of the fame game and it's a bittersweet way to make a living.

No one really warns the naive newcomer about the perils and pitfalls of fame. No one really tells the truth about fame being a way of life and not just a job.

Yes, the money can be good, but income can also be extremely erratic and there's no pension plan or sick pay.

Yes, it's nice to be noticed and saluted by fans, but not when you're enjoying a quiet meal out with your family.

Yes, it's more exciting than the nine to five, but you also miss out on the camaraderie and the loyalty of long-term co-workers.

Yes, the good reviews are fabulous and a massive ego-boost, but the bad reviews dent your confidence and may damage your future success.

What about the publicity? Well, the majority of TV producers, radio executives and newspaper and magazine editors are mainly concerned with sensationalism.

Sensationalism sells. So a star can give a two-hour interview during which they say lovely, kind things about their contemporaries; yet the one throwaway remark they make will become the banner headline. Unflattering photographs of the most glamourous stars will be kept on file and used time and time again. If ambitious celebrities get their teeth fixed, have cosmetic surgery, get fit, support a charity or attend red carpet events they will be labelled fame-hungry and self-obsessed.

If the shyer celebrities out there continue to wear High Street clothes and shun high-profile events, they will be labelled reclusive oddballs.

And, as I said before, rarely will time be made in a celebrity's schedule for family commitments: no time off for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Valentine's Day, Easter Sunday, Mother's Day, Father's Day, school plays, school summer holidays, and special occasions such as weddings, graduations, anniversaries, christenings and funerals.

The pursuit of fame is relentless, really. It doesn't do molly-coddling and it doesn't do hand-holding. Eventually, inevitably, the star in question begins to fade. Sporting personalities lose a few tournaments, singers miss a few high notes, writers get a few lukewarm reviews, presenters put on a little weight, actors develop a drink or drug problem. The deals get smaller and the venues shabbier. And then the final curtain beckons. And for Alex Higgins the final curtain beckoned in a Belfast hostel with no cheering fans in the audience.

So what's my advice for wannabe stars? Read the small print before you sign anything. Don't miss your children's school plays. Don't neglect a loving spouse in favour of a well-meaning entourage. Don't work on Christmas Day. Don't buy a big house or a fancy car if you can't afford it outright. Do have a pension plan and unemployment insurance. Don't drink too much or take drugs. If you need to drink too much or take drugs then maybe fame isn't for you.

Do stay in touch with friends outside of your chosen career for you'll need someone kind to hold your hand when the dream is over. And don't take yourself - or fame - too seriously.