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Famous Rob Ford embraces celebrity with upcoming appearance on Jimmy Kimmel

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is an average, ordinary guy. And we know this because he said so, just days before jetting down to Hollywood to hobnob with celebrities over the Oscar weekend and appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Just days after dismissing his celebrity status on an episode of his YouTube show, Ford appears to have completed an about-face and run into the arms of Mother Hollywood. Ford and his entourage, including city staff members and his two brothers, travelled to Los Angeles over the weekend apparently to appear at Oscar parties and on Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show.

It is all under the auspices of being a mission to improve Toronto's film industry, but don't be confused. This is about Ford embracing his international celebrity. He is no longer Mike Harris, he's not even Marion Berry. Now, Ford is full-on Kardashian.

Ford's team originally claimed he was going to be in attendance at the Oscars, but at the last minute claimed "security issues" had scuttled the plan. Is it possible the most star-studded party on the planet had enough protection for Brad Pitt, Leonardo Dicaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, but couldn't handle Ford?

Ford did, however, make a brief appearance on Jimmy Kimmel's post-Oscar show. The host, who has been mercilessly ribbing Ford since his crack cocaine use first propelled him to infamy, told his audience on Sunday that he has "never been more excited about a guest" than Ford, at which point a tux-clad Ford emerged from backstage and waved at the crowd.

Kimmel then reminded him he's not on the show until Monday night and a sheepish Ford waved his way off the stage. The whole thing was a bit to promote his full appearance tonight – because even ordinary people have to promote their appearances on late-night television.

Kimmel's actual Sunday guest, Kevin Spacey, also took note of Ford, saying it was the first time he has had to follow a Ford that "banged up." He later joked that Ford threw up all over their shared dressing room.

[ Related: Kimmel producer says 'no topic off limits' with Rob Ford ]

Thanks for all of that, Ford. Nothing promotes a city like having the actor who plays corrupt Francis Underwood on Netflix's House of Cards call its mayor "banged up" on international television.

Despite the Ford family wealth, Rob has always painted himself as an average Joe. It is what has helped him secure such a strong base of ground support in his various political campaigns. He’s not the establishment, he is not famous. He is an ordinary guy, the promotional material reads. Now, Ford is shedding that status.

In light of the tux, the Oscar parties and the attention splayed upon him by some of the entertainment industry's biggest names, Ford is finally embracing his celebrity.

He has traded in his blue collar for a cumber bun. He has swapped the Steak Queen for the Sunset Strip.

[ Slideshow: Rob Ford goes to Los Angeles ]

Here are three key questions to ask about Ford’s Hollywood vacation when considering his newfound love of fame:

1. Is Ford really promoting Toronto's film industry?

The mayor and his brother have said in several interviews that they are in Los Angeles promoting Toronto as "Hollywood North," even suggesting the trip will have a direct impact on the industry next year. "We’re going to be making more movies than ever up in Hollywood North," Ford told a Toronto radio show. It should be noted that the city's film industry is already booming, no thanks to Ford's celebrity.

The Globe and Mail reports, however, that Ford did not discuss the trip with Toronto's film commissioner or Coun. Michael Thompson, the chair of the Economic Development Committee – two people who are tasked with that duty and have actual Hollywood contacts. So far, it seems Ford's "promote Toronto" strategy has involved wandering along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and appearing on a late-night talk show to celebrate himself.

2. Who is paying the bills?

Are the Toronto taxpayers picking up the tab for Ford's glitzy Hollywood debut? Or has Kimmel paid to bring his favourite punching bag down to California?

The Toronto Sun's Joe Warmington says Kimmel "flew out the mayor, his brothers and staffers." Ford staffers refused to answer the question when asked by the Toronto Star, saying only, "Not the taxpayers of Toronto." The newspaper notes that city council's code of conduct prohibits accepting various types of gifts, and receiving hotel and airfare from Kimmel could be a violation. But that's just one of the hazards Ford faces by so famous. Sometimes people want to give him trips to Hollywood and put him up at fancy hotels.

3. Does Ford believe he is there to be celebrated?

Ford knows that Kimmel has a habit of mocking him, yet he seems convinced they are the best of friends. Kimmel picked Ford up at the airport in a chauffer's costume, but when it is Showtime, the gloves could come off. "God does answer your prayers," the comedian said on Sunday about getting Ford on the show. Show producers told the Canadian Press that no topic would be off limits. Then again, what's a little teasing between friends? Notorious prankster George Clooney is surely plotting his own gag as we speak.

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