Brushes with Fame

 

John Scalzi, our journal land guide, has given us our weekend assignment as indicated below......

http://journals.aol.com/johnmscalzi/bytheway/entries/1654

Weekend Assignment #5: Recount your most memorable encounter with celebrity. If you haven't met anyone famous and don't know anyone who has, here's an alternate assignment: Reveal your first celebrity crush (and of course, for extra credit, do both).

Who counts? Well, movie stars, rock stars, sports stars, famous politicians or religious figures, important businessmen or diplomats -- heck, even local celebrities like newscasters, DJs or newspaper columnists will fit the bill. And by "encounter," it can mean everything from actually partying with them to just being in the same room as they are, so long as it was memorable in some way to you. I'm not picky, I just want to hear a good story of brushes with fame.

So, here's mine......

When my oldest daughter was about 16, she worked in a local Glass and Window store.  I came home from work one day and there was a slip of torn paper laying on the coffee table that had a phone number scribbled on it.  I recognized the prefix to be that of a number in a nearby exclusive, gated-community.   So, I asked.....

"Tam, who's number is this?"

"Chuck Connors!"

"Why do I have Chuck Connor's telephone number on my coffee table?"

"Oh....I had to call him and tell him his windows are in!"

"Well, did you tell him?"

"No, I think his maid answered, so I told her!"

"Ok then, how about throwing this in the trash, unless you plan on chatting with Chuck a little later."  

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I have had the good fortune to meet and speak with Wilma Mankiller, former Principal Chief of our Cherokee Nation. She is a fascinating, accomplished woman, who is gracious and a beautiful spirit.  A true historical figure.  We have photos and an autographed copy of her book. 

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My oldest daughter dated a member of George Strait's band.  Why couldn't it have been George?  Dang it! 

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How could I forget?  Patrick Swayze filmed a scene from the movie FatherHood in my office in 1996, I think. I got him to sign my Dirty Dancing video.  Actually, I asked one of my staff to approach him to get it autographed, while I stared at him.  He was gorgeous, but short and tiny.  A dancer's body for sure.

Then they filmed another scene just outside my office, and Hallee Berry was in that one.   She is drop-dead beautiful!  I didn't bother with trying to get her autograph since they were so busy. 

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