If $A$ is a prime C$^*$-algebra, $a \in A$ and $\lambda$ is in the numerical range $W(a)$ of $a$, then for each $\varepsilon > 0$ there exists an element $h \in A$ such that $\norm{h} = 1$ and $\norm{h^* (a-\lambda)h} < \varepsilon$. If $\lambda$ is an extreme point of $W(a)$, the same conclusion holds without the assumption that $A$ is prime. Given any element $a$ in a von Neumann algebra (or in a general C$^*$-algebra) $A$, all normal elements in the weak* closure (the norm closure, respectively) of the C$^*$-convex hull of $a$ are characterized.