Batman Meets Batman

At a Hollywood Celebrities Show several years ago, I witnessed the crossing paths of two Batman past and present.  Adam West (Batman from tv and my youth) briefly chatted with Val Kilmer (the most recent big screen Batman at that time).
I have written about West's rigid stance about unauthorized picture-taking, but I couldn't let this moment pass without trying.  I managed to snap the picture below.  While it might not be the best shot, at least it did not incur the wrath of West (or perhaps he just didn't notice because of my sly photography skills.  Either way, I am glad I got the two Batmen in one shot. 
I don't know why some celebrities will pose with others and some won't.  I also don't know why some conventions organize such photo-ops.  I just know that multiple (connected) celebs together for photos is very popular with attendees

Val Kilmer and Adam West in Rosemont, IL-Late 1990's.

Talking to Brad Dourif was Child's Play

I have previously mentioned how some actors seem to get annoyed when I mention long-forgotten or small roles, bypassing other more notable performances. Veteran actor Brad Dourif is not one of those.
Dourif has had a lengthy, successful acting career. He appeared in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and has been in many other projects over the year.
When I met Dourif, I mentioned his voicing of Chucky in Child's Play. Dourif was eager to discuss his portrayal of Chucky. Without taking it too seriously, Dourif talked about how voiceover work is difficult and you really are acting just as much as if you are seen and quite possibly even more. In voicing a wooden doll, Dourif had to capture the emotions of Chucky through just his voice. Dourif was proud to be recognized as Chucky and happy to discuss any part of it.

Brad Dourif and me in Rosemont, IL-late 1990's.

From Gilligan's Island to Rosemont

Dawn Wells is great. She is pleasant, polite, personable and seemingly happy. Unlike others who are known for one role, Wells seems content with her place in life.
Wells played Mary Ann Summers on tv's Gilligan's Island. She has done many other less notable roles, but she will forever be Mary Ann to everyone. And she is perfectly fine with that.
Wells embraces her past, without overdoing it. Aside from her pictures (mostly from Gilligan's Island), she has a few other GI-related pieces for sale (like the famous 'Mary Ann or Ginger?' shirt). She doesn't come dressed in character either, like some others.
Somehow, she caught me off guard though, when she asked me for my favorite GI episode. I have seen them all (many times), yet I froze. Finally, I mentioned the HoneyBees. She laughed at that.
Actually, thinking back, Wells seemed a lot like her character Mary Ann. Unfortunately, she did not bake a pie for me though! Still, it was great meeting and talking to her.

Dawn Wells and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2010.

Fred Williamson:The Original Hammer (Apologies to Tom Skalski)

Before there was Dave Schultz. Before Stanley Burrell became MC. Before Tom Skalski earned the moniker. There was the original Hammer. Fred Williamson.
Williamson is a Chicago guy and played football at Northwestern. He told me when he was coming out of college, he wanted to play for the Chicago Bears. Instead, he was drafted #2 by the San Francisco 49ers.
In his first training camp, a coach asked him to take it easy and stop "hammering" his teammates. Thus, a nickname (and legend) was born. Williamson did his best to live up to that nickname.
Williamson was great and even did a promo for Johngy's Beat. At the age of 73, he still looked tough (and not just tough for a 73 year old...legitimately tough).
I think the Bears were probably too frugal to attempt to sign Williamson. Imagine that defense, if Williamson was here and then joined by Dick Butkus. Oh well, I can dream.

Fred Williamson and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2010.

Morgan Fairchild

Morgan Fairchild did some episodic tv and some small roles in films, but it was her role on tv's Flamingo Road which shot her to stardom. Fairchild also had a resurgence on Friends as Chandler Bing's mother Nora.
When I met her, I was surprised at how tall she was. She wasn't wearing high heels either. She's no giant, but I would have guessed about 3 inches less.
I talked to her about her part on tv's Mork and Mindy as Mindy's somewhat snooty friend, Susan and her part on Happy Days, again playing a somewhat snooty woman. She laughed and said it was a lifetime ago, but a lot of fun.
I'm not sure what I expected from Fairchild, but she seemed pretty appreciative of her career and her fans. She seemed to be having fun talking to everyone.

Morgan Fairchild and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2009.

Tommy Bradford, Buddy Lembeck and Willie Aames

I grew up watching Willie Aames play Tommy Bradford on tv's Eight is Enough. A slightly older Aames played Buddy Lembeck friend of Scott Baio's title character on Charles in Charge.
As an adult, Aames was on some reality tv shows. He has experienced financial problems and has battled drugs and alcohol. Aames is a born-again Christian. I have to say though, Aames looked and sounded great when I talked to him.
Aames talked about how much fun he had with Baio and how they sometimes just ad-libbed conversations. They had great chemistry and remain friends.
I told Aames about this site and what I do. He graciously recorded a testimonial which you can see upper right on this page.

Willie Aames and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2010.

Phil Packer, Arthur and Peter Brady

Just as I was about to talk to Christopher Knight, he got called away to do a tv interview. What...tv is bigger and more important than Global Traveler magazine? Fran Gallagher would argue otherwise.
Anyway, when Knight returned, I said, "About time, Knight! I was giving you 1 more minute." He got a good laugh out of that. It's always good to start these things with a good laugh.
We talked a bit about the Brady Bunch and his return to tv with My Fair Brady. He stated that he likes doing the conventions, especially when his Brady Bunch co-stars are also there. At this particular event, Mike Lookinland, Susan Olsen and Robbie Rist were sharing an area with him. I was also the only person present who knew both Phil Packer (Peter's alter ego who double-dated with Greg) and Arthur (Peter's lookalike classmate).

Christopher Knight and me in Rosemont, IL-Fall 2008.

Shannon Malone is a Model Businesswomen

You might not know her by name, but you have probably seen Shannon Malone many times. Malone has done some acting, as well as appearing on a few posters, in several music videos and on the covers of many magazines. She was also featured on several cards in the BenchWarmer trading card series.
I met Malone several years ago. I hadn't planned on talking to her and had no questions for her. However, as I was meandering around, she started a conversation and my friend and I found her very articulate and interesting. We didn't talk about her career, either. We talked about business.
Models can get bad reputations at times, but Malone came off as personable and as a smart businesswomen. She admitted she didn't have the acting chops to win any awards, but she was having fun, making a living and doing other things, too.
She came to the show prepared, armed with several 8x10's, trading cards, posters and videos. She said she wanted to make sure she had every fan covered. It sounds kind of cold, but really it is good business.

Shannon Malone and me in Rosemont, IL-mid 1990's.

The Youngest Brady, Susan Olsen

Didn't everyone in the early 70's want to be a Brady kid? Over the last few weeks, I have highlighted Mike Lookinland (Bobby Brady) and Robbie Rist (cousin Oliver). Today, I am featuring "the youngest one in curls", also known as Susan Olsen.
Olsen has done a little bit of a lot of things since her Brady days. One thing she has not done however is adult movies, despite the rumors. Olsen and I joked about that urban legend when we talked at the Hollywood Celebrities Show. It's just one of those urban legends.
Olsen talked about being close to former co-star Robert Reed. She also said the "tattle tale" episode is the one she least liked, because of the reaction she got from her friends.
Olsen willingly discussed her time as a Brady. I think she would have made a pretty cool younger sister (although she's older than me).

Susan Olsen and me in Rosemont, IL-Fall 2008.

Holy Batman Again, It's Val Kilmer

Last Wednesday, I wrote about meeting Batman at a summer fest in Schaumburg (IL). Previously, I have written about meeting Batman (Adam West) and other Superheroes. Today, I am featuring one more Batman.
Val Kilmer appeared as Batman in the 1995 film version. It was only a few years later when I met Kilmer at the Hollywood Celebrities Show.
Kilmer had a huge line and was charging a pretty large amount for an autograph. I wormed my way in for a picture though. I have a special place in my heart for Kilmer from his movie Top Secret! Plus, anytime I can get a photo with a Superhero, I am in!

Val Kilmer and me in Rosemont, IL-late 1990's.

Johngy Was Not a Brady

A few weeks ago, I wrote about meeting Cousin Oliver (Robby Rist) who was supposed to breathe new, cute life into the Brady Bunch. New life was needed partly because the previous young cute kids, Bobby and Cindy, were starting to grow into young adults.
I talked about this with Mike Lookinland (Bobby Brady) when I met him at the Hollywood Celebrities Show. He said the writers just wanted to concentrate on the same old stories and Bobby and Cindy were starting to get too old for that. Instead, the writers should have started developing stories for the ever-aging Brady kids all along.
It's really an example of the writers not changing with the times. The Brady family could not be stuck in a time-defying universe.
Those in charge got everything they could out of the Brady concept and then just let it go without trying something new or different. I wish they were more creative and/or had a little more faith in the abilities of the young adults playing the Brady siblings.
As for Lookinland, he was fun to meet and seemed to have fun meeting everyone. He has done some acting post-Brady, including a role in The Towering Inferno. By all apearances, he seems to have avoided the common pitfalls of a child actor.

Mike Lookinland and me in Rosemont, IL-Fall 2008.

From Lost in Space to Battlestar Galactica

Anne Lockhart is the daughter of veteran actress June Lockhart (of tv's Lassie and Lost in Space). Lockhart has had a lengthy career doing movies, tv, commercials and voicework. She is probably most noted fpor her role as Lt. Sheba on tv's Battlestar Galactica.
My friend Hassan was much more of a fan of Galactica than I was. Okay, I really didn't even watch it. However, Hassan wanted to go to the Hollywood Celebrities Show to meet some of the stars of Galactica and I am always ready for a celeb convention.
While our meeting with co-star Richard Hatch produced a few memorable moments, I really don't remember much about Lockhart. I remember she talked about being proud that she was on a show which had a lasting following. We joked that she would always have a spot on the convention circuit simply based on that.
Despite her lengthy volume of other work, she was grateful that fans did remember her for one defining role. That is a good attitude compared to others who sometimes resent such notable roles.

Anne Lockhart and me in Rosemont, IL-early 00's.

Cousin Oliver!!!

Robbie Rist will forever be known as Cousin Oliver, the "unlucky" Brady cousin for the last season of The Brady Bunch.
It was hoped that the addition of the Oliver character would help the sagging series, instead it gave rise to "The Cousin Oliver Syndrome". The Cousin Oliver Syndrome occurs when a tv show attempts to boost up dropping ratings by adding a young, cute character (see Happy Days, Family Ties, Facts of Life and others).
It really never works. Unfortunately it usually unfairly tags the young actor with helping to sink a popular show, when in fact the show was already doomed by the time the youngster appeared.
When I met Rist at a Hollywood Celebrities Show, I heard that topic discussed several times. I am sure Rist must be tired of it by now, but he handled it all with good humor. He joked that it cemented his place in tv history.
Rist has actually carved out a nice career acting, playing music, producing and doing voiceover work. None of it would bring him the massive exposure like being a Brady, but all of which allowing him a nice life.

Robbie Rist and me in Rosemont, IL-Fall 2008.

Cissy, Jody and Johngy

When I was a kid, Family Affair was one of the top-rated tv shows. Who didn't think Uncle Bill was cool? Who didn't like the three children, Cissy, Buffy and Jody? Even Mr. French was highly likable (although his brother didn't do much for me).
At a Hollywood Collectors Show, I was excited about meeting two of the three siblings. (Sadly and widely known, the third was Anissa "Buffy" Jones, who died a while back.) Kathy "Cissy" Garver and Johnny "Jody" Whitaker were awesome. These two seem to have avoided the often-publicized pitfalls of childhood celebdom.
Garver has gone on to have a solid career, filled with many guest-starring roles on tv. She has also done some voice-over work.
Whitaker went on to do a couple more tv series and had a bunch of guest-starring roles. He eventually went into missionary work.
At the convention, Garver and Whitaker seemed completely relaxed and having fun. We talked for a bit and then I got to pose with both of them. I just remember the experience as so much fun, almost like seeing old friends again! Theirs is definitely a childhood star story that has ended well.

Kathy Garver, Johnny Whitaker and me in Rosemont, IL-mid 90's.

Adam West was no Frank Gorshin

When we last explored the events of Gotham City, we saw Frank Gorshin (aka The Riddler). Today, Adam West gets his time to shine (or not). As I wrote in the Gorshin piece, West was not very sociable at the event. I am not sure about the entire time, but when I was there, West did not pose with Gorshin, although they did chat (so I don't think there was a problems between them). Even West agreed to pose with me, he barely acknowledged me or the camera. He remained stoic, which left me feeling rather unsatisfied. Still, he was the Batman and meeting him and Gorshin was pretty cool. Too bad West didn't take more lessons from Gorshin who was polite and talkative.
On a side note, while West did not pose with Gorshin, you can see Gorshin clearly in the middle background of this picture.

Adam West and me in Rosement, IL-late 1990's.

Surely, It's Cindy Williams

I first saw Cindy Williams in American Graffiti. That was a great movie, loaded with stars of the future. Of course, Williams gained her major fame as Shirley in tv's Laverne & Shirley.
I had the pleasure to meet Williams at the Hollywood Collectibles Show several years ago. Williams was very cordial and very polite. She gladly posed for pictures and discussed her career.
There was something different (but good) about Williams. I think it was just how at ease she was. She didn't push herself or her merchandise on anyone. She didn't overdo it. She seemed to exude a quiet class. She seemed to be having fun and spending real time with each person who approached her.
There are a few celebrities at these events who could take lessons from Williams. I didn't see one person walk away dissatisfied in the least.

Cindy Williams and me in Rosemont, IL-early 00's.

Ken Norton Knocked Out Johngy

Ken Norton had a great boxing career. Norton's career record was 42-7-1, including a reign as the WBC Heavyweight Champ and induction into the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
My interest in boxing has diminished over the years, but a legend like Norton will always gain my attention. Meeting him at the Hollywood Collectors Show was pretty cool.
Norton was a class act. He had a bit of trouble speaking, but he spoke up after our picture was taken to make sure it was good enough. He even asked to see it to really make sure. He asked if I wanted to take another even though the first was good.
That is dedication to the fans. As I walked away, he thanked me for remembering him, approaching him and for asking about his son Ken, a former pro football player. It's celebrities like Norton who make me love this stuff.

Ken Norton and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2009.

Elvira:Mistress of the Darkness

I met Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson at a Hollywood Collectors Show in Rosemont (IL) a few years ago. Elvira is a "Halloween icon and quintessential symbol of all things spooky", according to her website. I don't disagree.
When I met her, she had the usual array of photos from which to choose. She had photos of her without makeup (as in simply Cassandra Peterson) and several of her as Elvira. I chose one of the Elvira picks.
Then she kind of surprised me by mumbling that the guys always go for those perv pictures. I didn't go for a perv picture. I went for one of her in her most famous role (did she even have other substantial roles?). The picture I chose was probably the tamest of the Elvira shots.
I asked why she put out the Elvira pictures if she was so offended by the perverted men buying them. She said that people can buy whatever they want, but it just strikes her that the men buy those shots. I decided that I really didn't want one afterall.
Okay, first of all, aside from Elvira, can anyone name one role Peterson has had? Oh yea, Ms. Peterson, can I have that 8x10 from you in Happy Days, when your role was "girl". When I get athletes to sign 8x10's, they are usually in uniforms. Having an 8x10 of Peyton Manning in jeans and a polo shirt isn't that cool.
Second, if men buying these photos bothers her so much, why does she have them out? Take a stand, Ms. Peterson. I have seen actresses refuse to sign certain pictures (nudes, topless, etc). Stand by your beliefs, even if it means your line will disappear.
Third, better yet, if this is so offensive, why do you continue to do the character? Leave Elvira behind and see what beefy roles Cassandra Peterson can get.
I've said it before...if the star doesn't like being there, just don't do it. If the star is in a bad mood, let it go for the 4 or so hours when you are meeting your fans (aka the people who are paying you).

Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson and me in Rosemont, IL-early 00's.

No Breakfast with Tiffany

Tiffany Darwish burst onto the music scene in the mid 80's with her mall tour. Tiffany set a record for being the youngest female to top the Billboard chars with a debut album.
Family turmoil and a failure to follow up her initial success left her career in limbo. Several years and a few comeback attempts later, Tiffany appeared to be rising again with the 2000 release of Color of Silence.
I know I might get mocked for this, but I liked that album. This effort received rave reviews from Billboard, although it had limited success. I still maintain it was a decent product.
Tiffany has appeared on a few tv shows and has made two more albums (with singles appearing on Billboard's charts again).
Tiffany appeared to be having a blast at the Hollywood Collectors Show. I think she was surprised at the turnout for her (and the promoters seemed surprised, too). She might have been the hit of the show. She thanked her fans for remembering and sticking with her. She talked positively (and honestly) about her past and future. She seemed to be in a good place and that is always good to see.

Tiffany and me in Rosemont, IL-early 00's.

Leatherface

Yesterday, I talked about Hacksaw. Today, I am featuring Leatherface, from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Gunnar Hansen was the man behind the mask in that cult classic. Hansen portrayed Leatherface and followed that by appearing in Demon Hunter. Then he concentrated on writing for the next 13 years or so. He has had steady (if not high profile) work since then.
When I met Hansen at the Hollywood Collectors Show, he was in a great mood. He seemed a bit embarassed by the attention, but he was very gracious to everyone.
Some might question him as a one trick pony making cash off of his 15 minutes (much like a Larry Thomas). Maybe he is, but at least he wasn't hawking fake chainsaws to sign.

Gunnar Hansen and me in Rosemont, IL-late 00's.