Shawnee Smith Did Not Scream

Shawnee Smith has been labeled a Scream Queen, due to her recurring role in the Saw movie series, as well as several other horror films. However, Smith also co-starred on tv's Becker.
I have to admit I don't have much to say about Smith. I met her at the Horror Hound Weekend in Indianapolis. I hadn't planned on approaching her, but somehow during the course of events, I ended up right at her table. What else could I do, but ask for a photo with her.
It was a bit awkward, as I wasn't really familiar with her work. I faked my way through some conversation by asking about her horror roles. I knew she was in horror films. She answered politely, but not enthusiastically.
Fortunately, my client soon arrived and reshuffled stuff and I was on my way. I mean no disrespect to Smith. I know she has a following, because I saw them. She just hadn't crossed my radar.
Maybe my hair scared her silent. Looking back at it now, it does leave me a bit speechless.

Shawnee Smith and me in Indianapolis, IN-October 2007.

Watch Out Corey Haim

I just saw the first advertisement for the HorrorHound Weekend Convention in Indianapolis on March 27-29, 2009. Corey Haim is one of the guest celebrities. I haven't seen Haim since 'the incident'.The incident to which I refer happened in the late 1990's at a Hollywood Collectors Show in Rosemont (IL). I don't remember the specific details, but for whatever reason, I stayed at the show longer than anticipated and I was running late.
I raced through the crowd (as politely as I could) and reached the ballroom entrance. Once outside of the ballroom, I picked up the pace just a bit, since there were fewer people. All of a sudden, Haim appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. I had no time to stop, slow down or even change direction. The first thud I heard was my left shoulder connecting with Haim's left shoulder/chest area. The second sound I heard was sort of an "ooooommmffff", which is what Haim sputtered as he fell backward. I apologized and helped him up. To his credit, he laughed it off, but I could tell it took a bit out of him. We shook hands and I promised to stay away from him.
I think the Statute of Limitations on that promise has expired. So look out, Haim, I'll see you in March.

Two Close For Comfort

It's a bit funny to me that many of the celebs I meet have a connection to Star Trek or Star Wars. I don't particularly either of those movie franchises. Of course, as I have established, I usually like the odder, less known roles of the celebs.
Deborah Van Valkenburgh had a role on Star Trek:Deep Space Nine, which usually leads to a line of trekkies waiting to meet her. However, I remember her from her somewhat sillier role on tv's Too Close For Comfort. I guess if nothing else, I am a change of pace for these celebs, since I usually talk of the lesser roles. Of course, some celebs aren't so excited to discuss certain roles. DVV was very happy to chat about her non-Star Trek roles.
She was also a guest panelist on the 1983 version of The Match Game, a great game show from yesteryear. If any show ever needed a dvd featuring behind the scenes stuff, The Match Game is it!

Deborah Van Valkenburgh and me at HorrorHound Weekend in Indianapolis, IN-November 2006.