Beware of Brushes With Fame

Many years ago I met Troy Donahue (remember him?). Well, I didn't think he was very personable. I was young and had a crush on him, but when I saw him in person, I was very disappointed. Not only did he look better on screen, but he acted better on screen too. I also met Lorne Greene and Dan Blocker from Bonanza, and I didn't think they were nice either. I met Annette Funicello, and didn't care for her. I do remember, that it was like pulling teeth trying to get autographs from these people. I also met Chuck Conners (THE RIFLEMAN), and he was also cold. I have a famous relative, so I was lucky enough to meet certain "stars", but it burst my bubble, when I actually met my "dream boats" in person.

One of my good friends is Peggy Fleming, who won a Gold Medal, for Figure Skating, in the 1968 Olympics. I wrote Peggy a fan letter in 1967. Our correspondence continued, and over the years, I attended Holiday on Ice Shows, attended tapings of several of her
television shows. Peggy is down to earth, caring and has a great sense of humor. Our friendship continues to this day and we are both the better for it.

I realize I didn't answer Jim question - since my brush with a "celebrity" was the beginning of a great friendship - just wanted to point out that there are exceptions to every rule.

I was on a flight form JFK to LAX and my father told me "that's Michael Korrs, sitting in the seat two ahead of us!" Being only 12, I knew the name from my moms closets and decided to go meet him. I walked up to him and said "Mr Korrs, it's great to meet you, i love your work." The man next to him then proceeded to say, "sweety, that'd be me. He's my buddy."

Wow that was really messed up on his part. I hate when celebrities or people thinkthat they are important (because their names are important) brush people off. Don't worry Jim there are more celebrities out there.

Well just today i went to dinner with my girlfriend and her parents, (over at Blondies on 79th street) and to my surprise we sat just a few feet away from the New York Yankees coaches. My my to my surprise, the ball pin coach or bull pin coach, whatever the terminology may be, came off as a gigantic 6' snob! But to my surprise, Yankees manager Girardi was a funny and cheerful guy. It just goes to show that some people truly do have both sides of the Bronx Attitude.

Living in NY, I have "met" several famous people. When I was about 16 or 17, my friends and I found out where Metallica was recording their new album and stood outside the studio for hours. When the band came out, they were all so nice. We took so many pictures and they autographed a milion shirts and bags for us! I also bumped into "Theo" from the Cosby Show(Malcolm Jemal Werner?) in the supermarket and my friend and I commented to each other when we noticed him. He turned around and cursed us out because he expected "privacy". I have also seen several other famous people, but chose not to bug them.

Well just today i went to dinner with my girlfriend and her parents, (over at Blondies on 79th street) and to my surprise we sat just a few feet away from the New York Yankees coaches. My my to my surprise, the ball pin coach or bull pin coach, whatever the terminology may be, came off as a gigantic 6' snob! But to my surprise, Yankees manager Girardi was a funny and cheerful guy. It just goes to show that some people truly do have both sides of the Bronx Attitude.

I, fortunately, never had a bad run in with a celebrity. Living and wokring in NYC, I've run into my share of people on the sheets. Walking on 6th ave last summer, I saw a man walking torwards me who looked very familiar. I thought, where do I know this guy from. I really thought he was someone I knew, but didn't reconize quickly! At the last second, I realized that it was none other then TAYE DIGGS! He blended in so well: had a casual outfit, khaki hat, and was holding a pet traveling box. When we passed each other, I asked him "Are you Taye Diggs?" and he looked at me, smiled, WINKED and said "Yes ma"am" and waved! I'm guessing that he was in NYC living while his wife Idina Menzel is doing Wicked. See, sometimes celebrities are nice-- they haven't let the glamour get to their head!

when my grandmother was alive, she really liked tom selleck. My dad was in an airport terminal and he saw him. So he thought he would do something nice and just get an autograph. He knew she'd love it but when he approached him... He got that sour look you were talking about. He didn't want to dissapoint my grandmother so he never told her what a jerk he was.

I have been lucky. Everyone that I have met in person over the years that I have admired from afar have been fantastic... Joe Dimaggio;, Billy Martin; Danny Thomas; Sammy Kaye and many recording artists. There is one other that I haven't met, totally adore from when I was 14 and I tell everyone I'm gonna marry him when I grow up LOL but I don't want to meet him and burst my bubble after all these years... I'm talking about Paul McCartney. :)

Perhaps asking him for an interview with the cameras and mics wasn't a good approach. Maybe, if he was approached by you on a personal, low-key level, not only would he have been more receptive in general, he probably would have done an interview for you.

P.S. - People only become "famous" because "regular" people are interested in them. While they are entitled to have a private life, there is some obligation to put up with "regular" people. Aside from that, Jim, you are pretty famous around here, so......

Perhaps asking him for an interview with the cameras and mics wasn't a good approach. Maybe, if he was approached by you on a personal, low-key level, not only would he have been more receptive in general, he probably would have done an interview for you.

Jim, I understand you are upset by the experience but consider the source. Robinson is 146 years old and was probably let out of his nursing home to be there for the opening. He was probably dragged there by the Wilpons and hated every minute of it. In his last season with the nationals he looked disinterested most of the time. You were trying to help him stay relevent. which is probably the only reason he showed up to begin with.

I think there is a key caveat to your "rule" Jim. We as fans must respect personal boundaries and can not just expect celebrities to be "on" 24/7. These people have private lives out of the public eye. Just because they are famous does not mean that they are at the fans constant beck and call.

In the instance of your friend running up to Willie Mays, he may have just caught him in a moment when Mr Mays wanted to be anonymous.

Granted, as a legendary player on the biggest day of recent Mets history, Frank Robinson should have expected to give some interviews. Maybe it was the approach he didn't care for. Instead of yelling across the field if he would do an interview, you could have approached him graciously, explained what a big fan you were of him and how honored you would be if he would grant you an interview. Instead of waving you off like a fly, he may have just welcomed your warm word of admiration.
In summation, I think we fans have to remember that celebrities are just human and just want to live their lives just us.

Jim -- had very similar experience with Bill Russell, famous Boston Celtic. We were both in the airport in Richmond, Va about 20 years ago, waiting for our bags in the claim area. Not many people around so being a Celtics fan, I figured I'd politely ask Mr. Russell for an autograph. He said "no." Made me feel two inches tall, vowed never to bother asking anyone for an autograph again. No hard feelings, but kind of a harsh lesson.

merryl streep one of the nicest ladies you could ever meet also tyne daly even flavio was real pleasent i met them doing construction work in kennedy airport

merryl streep one of the nicest ladies you could ever meet also tyne daly even flavio was real pleasent i met them doing construction work in kennedy airport

merryl streep one of the nicest ladies you could ever meet also tyne daly even flavio was real pleasent i met them doing construction work in kennedy airport

Last summer at Jacob Javits Fan Fest I was asking my 9 year old daughter if she knew who Jackie Robinson was. She replied yes and told me all about the baseball great. When she finished a lady tapped my shoulder. I turned around to the biggest smile. The lady with the million dollar Crest smile said, "I heard what your daughter said about my father. Would you like a copy of my book?" It was Sharon Robinson, Jackie's daughter, that had overheard my conversion with my little girl. How classy was that. I do not feel I have had a good day unless I made someone else smile. We love you Jim. You will see Frank again and I do believe he will apologize. Mary Pannell

I am a big Broadway fan, and I have also worked in the theater and I have met many a celebrities. Christina Applegate (sweet as pie), Bebe Neuwirth (a delight, specially with kids), Sandy Duncan (what a trip she is....funny as ever). Lily Tomlyn makes you laugh so much you can't get a word in, then she stops and starts telling you jokes right in the middle of the streets (LOVE HERRRRRRR). And so many others. Part of doing a Broadway show in New York is the excitement of going to the stage door to get and autograph. It is sort of a tradition not only for fans but for performers too, BUT BEWARE OF JACK WAGNER, AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGHHHHHHHH. During his run in "Jekyll & Hyde", a group of us went to the stage door of course, and OH MY GOD, THERE'S THE BIG TV STAR OF "MELROSE PLACE" and some ok tv movies. I asked him if he would please sign my PLAYBILL. LETS JUST SAY THAT I WISH I DIDN'T. He looked at me and said with the biggest of attitude (or EGO), and said: "IF I SIGN YOUR PLAYBILL I HAVE TO SIGN EVERYBODY ELSE'S". Then after hearing such arrogance, the lady standing next to me said to me: "WHAT AN A*****E", HE WILL SIGN MINE". She said to him "IF YOU JOIN THE BROADWAY COMMUNITY, THIS IS WHAT YOU DO. IT IS TRADITION FOR PERFORMERS TO SIGN PLAYBILLS AFTER A SHOW" He took a deep breath, sign her PLAYBILL, then he came towards me and gave me the filthiest look ever, leaving me no choice but to say "HEY MR WAGNER, WELCOME TO THE GREAT WHITE WAY, LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT". Gee, I wonder what he is up to these days.....daytime tv? So sad. He should reflect on why does he have a job, sadly because some people are home during the day. Anyways, Do you know who is really sweet and down to earth? Reba McEntyre. I saw her in "Annie Get Your Gun" on Broadway, and she talks to everyone. Oh, And Nathan Lane, Sara Jessica Parker and Mathew Brodderick are each a candy bar of sweetness.
Sorry to bore you all with all my comments, but it is true Mr Watkins, you do have to beware with brushes with fame. FYI: Madonna, A Superstar On Stage, face to face she is a LADY!
Peace,
William
Jersey City, NJ

Many years ago my husband was a young soldier stationed in the NY area. (Korea) One night he went dancing and accidently bumped into Barbara Bel Geddes and her partner on the dance floor. Her comment was "why do they let these peasants in here." He went on to earn a Masters from both Wharton and Harvard. He passed away 9 years ago but he never forgot her comments.

I was lucky enough to see Mark Messier when he had just finished dinner and was walking out of a restaurant with his beautiful wife, son and father. We talked and he was gracious to pose for a picture. What a wonderful, warm and gracious man he was!! He could not have been nicer. That is a true star and celebrity!
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

I was lucky enough to see Mark Messier when he had just finished dinner and was walking out of a restaurant with his beautiful wife, son and father. We talked and he was gracious to pose for a picture. What a wonderful, warm and gracious man he was!! He could not have been nicer. That is a true star and celebrity!
LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

Back in 1992,my dad and I got the chance to help with some props on the set of "Bram Stokers Dracula".I was in film school at the time, so I jumped at he chance.While the crew was changing one of the sets a young woman walked up to me. I smiled and sail hi, She gave me the head to toe once over and said to me,"Who are you and why are you talking to me." She turned and walked away.This "woman" was Sophia Coppola. Later that day I met her father,Francis Ford Coppola- Nicest sweetest most corgal man you will ever meet. We wound up talking about filmaking for well over an hour.Just goes to shows the apple does fall very far from the tree.

jimbo, seriously? seriously? dude, you are one oversized bore. boo hiss. the young girls you pick up at the gym must be as clueless as dirty water. oooo, you had a bad run in with a famous person? here in nyc? really? geez, that the first time for you? oh, my,... we really do need to call the authorities on this one... snubbed, you? i think from now on we call you dick watkins. huh, dick?

I've been lucky. Met Alan Alda's father (Robert) in a supermarket in my neighborhood, visiting his sister here on L.I. and he couldn't have been nicer. Also met James Earl Jones on the Queen Marty in California and he was delightful. and recently asked Tony Bennett if my friend could take a picture of him with me, when we accidently met up with him at the Metropolitan Museum. He complied without even a trace of complaint. guess I've just been lucky.

Jim,
I really liked what you said here, the moral of the story, sometimes let legends just be legends, not real. You wrote it like you are a decent guy, not, like Mr Dark Voice would have it, like some arrogant prick expecting everything to go his way all the time. You are famous but I bet if someone came up to you on the street you'd be gracious. Call the authorities? Yea, let's call them on Mr. Dark Voice.
LFJ

Once I owned a townhouse in the same complex as Mark Messier. He was nice enough, but his wife, well she was cheap. The complex needed new screen doors, and would you believe, that they refused, saying that they were too expensive! I'm not a Rangers fan, and several of them lived in my complex. For the most part, they seemed nice. Most of the time, they were traveling.

I was in the hair salon with my husband and in walks someone who looks like you Jim, but I don't think it was. He had a little boy with him and I said nothing. I think that famous people need their privacy, but I also feel that it is the "regular guy" who makes them famous and they should respect that too.

I met Mickey Rourke and wow is he a blast!

Ernie Arnastas lives near me and I get a kick out of him. He is always smiling, but looks so silly with all that make-up on.

Michael Landon was the nicest person I ever met.

Meryl Streep showed me how to knit. What a nice lady!

Many moons ago, I ran into Al Pacino in a bar. He tried to pick me up. I refused his advances and left the bar. I wonder what would have happened if I didn't refuse him.

A soap opera actor lived around the block from my house and he always facinated me. He later acted in plays and I use to see him in the supermarket. He was always very nice to everyone. I think he liked to be recognized and it kind of flattered him. Some famous people are very nice and considerate. I mean, you don't try to stare at them, but they are interesting to look at.

Janice, he'd probably cheat on you. and you'd end up alone.

I ran into jessica simpson at the Waverly Inn. She wouldn't even stop for an autograph as she walked in. Another time I ran into her at dos caminos and she refused to stop for anyone.

i met PINK and she is just wonderful and sweet. i love her, she rocks!!!!!!!

i met PINK and she is just wonderful and sweet. i love her, she rocks!!!!!!!

Although I have had the luxury of meeting several high profile entertainment celebrities due to my previous career in radio, NO ONE will ever compare to Rob Thomas from Matchbox Twenty. Not only does he take the time out to deeply converse with fans, but he will take a ton of photos, sign anything you want and even talk to your friends on the phone. And, if his wife is with him, she takes great joy in interacting with fans too! Overall, Rob Thomas is a class act and always will be.

I actually met Mr. G a couple of days ago and he was exceptionally nice even though I interrupted his morning jog. I also met you and I was definitely not surprised with your positive atitude. You even gave my son an autograph.

I once met Woody Haroldson,at the Hard Rock Cafe on timesqure a few years ago. He was with Williy Nelson on his bus and when he came out i even got a picture with him and put my arm on his shoulders.I find it surprising how he acts towards TMZ's cameramen,He was kool with me.Shook hands and even told me and my friends that where with me be safe and stay out of trouble....

Mickey Mantle.

1974 or so. I was 14.

I was standing outside the old Yankee Stadium with my program from that day's game. Out of the player's club strolls The Mick. For some reason, I was one of the only kids around. I tried to hand him my program. He had no interest in it.

The Mick then gets into someone's car; he's in the passenger seat. I try, very politely, to hand him the program again. "Please, Mr. Mantle, just one autograph." The Mick rolled the window up as I was trying to hand him the program.

Among the greatest players ever? Sure. But that moment, like your moment with Frank Robinson, is one disappointment I shall always carry with me.

I was working at Radio City music hall in the early 90's and I was assigned the green room during the grammys. That year, phil collins was nominated, for 7 grammys. Phil collins was in the green room and I noticed everytime they would read, " the grammys goes to" it wasnt Phil collins. He had a hizzyfit and we on, and on about leaving and making a scene. Finally Radio City Music Hall, send him a bottle of champage or wine and at the last nomination, he won and alll was good. Talk about being jaded, celebrities are in a different reality and need other people to pacify their narcassitic behavior. ( sorry for the typos)

I got to meet the very funny, very talented comedian Lewis Black on several occasions now and I must say that each time I've met him he has been kind, gracious and very attentive. He does not take his fans for granted. No matter how tired he is or what he has going on in his life, he is always great when approached. God Bless him :)

Luchia LaRocca of Queens, NY

A number of years ago Shaq was attending his grandmothers funeral. As he left out of the Church some of the kids playing ouside reccognized him. I could not beleive it when he smiled and waved at the kids when they called him. he stoped and said hello for a few seconds before getting into the limo, but that few seconds was a big moment for the young ones he took the time for.

I used to work in retail in SoHo sometime ago--and one day, Julia Roberts came in and while at the counter, some young girls asked her for an autograph and were turned down rather coldly! Ouch! However, I can remember one rainy day, the fabulous Brazilian Sonia Braga came in and simply chatted up a storm with me while waiting for rain to stop. She was totally charming! Other nice folks were Joel Grey, Spike Lee, the late Carolyn Bissette. I also met Carly Simon who was my little nephew's heartthrob at the time--and she wrote him a little note for me to take home! There's something to be said about people with grace and class!

Working in NYC, you have many opportunities to see major celebrities. Sarah Jessica Parker was incredibly sweet, Alec Baldwin very nice, Jon Stuart funny, Mel Brooks funny. Sam Waterston not so nice. One of my favorite encounters was with opera singer Placido Domingo, very, very nice; Luciano Pavarotti, not as nice. Nicest politician without doubt was Bill Clinton, Hillary was cold; memorable, nice encounter with Rudy Giuliani. As a child I saw Leonard Bernstein in a restaurant - he smiled nicely at me - for a kid it was a great thrill. And then there was Mr. Big, Chris Noth **heavy sigh**. He was definitely my favorite celebrity encounter.

About a year ago I passed, in the west palm beach airport, Regis Philbin with his wife. She smiled and nodded when I said to my fiancé' that it was Regis. Mr. Philbin, on the other hand acted as if he was too important to be bothered with anyone. I was insulted. I wasn't even going to ask for his autograph. I just noticed that it was him.

I met Lolita at a Kidrockers concert which she was covering for the show. She was as friendly and open as she is on the newscast.

I have 3 positive stories. In 2002, I worked at a Manhattan soup restaurant and Ricki Lake walked in. I rang up her order and even though I spilled her crackers into the bottom of her bag by accident out of nervousness, she was really sweet and told me not to worry about it with a smile.

The second was actor Victor Williams, who plays Deacon on "King of Queens." I was in the audience at Central Park Summerstage in 2005 to see John Legend, and I saw him a few feet behind him. I was too nervous to approach him at first, and when I finally got up the nerve I turned around and he was gone. During John Legend's encore I saw him again and asked him to sign my summerstage program, which he did so graciously as I told him my mother and I are huge fans.

My third story is about Carrie Underwood. She is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, of which I am also a member. At our 2007 sorority convention in Nashville, she appeared at one of our dinners. Her record label didn't allow her to perform, but she did speak for a few minutes. She stayed after the dinner and signed autographs and took pictures with everyone there. That was nearly 800 women. And she signed an autograph for EVERY SINGLE SISTER PRESENT. She was a real trooper and everyone truly appreciated the chance to meet her, if only for a moment.

I have 3 positive stories. In 2002, I worked at a Manhattan soup restaurant and Ricki Lake walked in. I rang up her order and even though I spilled her crackers into the bottom of her bag by accident out of nervousness, she was really sweet and told me not to worry about it with a smile.

The second was actor Victor Williams, who plays Deacon on "King of Queens." I was in the audience at Central Park Summerstage in 2005 to see John Legend, and I saw him a few feet behind him. I was too nervous to approach him at first, and when I finally got up the nerve I turned around and he was gone. During John Legend's encore I saw him again and asked him to sign my summerstage program, which he did so graciously as I told him my mother and I are huge fans.

My third story is about Carrie Underwood. She is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, of which I am also a member. At our 2007 sorority convention in Nashville, she appeared at one of our dinners. Her record label didn't allow her to perform, but she did speak for a few minutes. She stayed after the dinner and signed autographs and took pictures with everyone there. That was nearly 800 women. And she signed an autograph for EVERY SINGLE SISTER PRESENT. She was a real trooper and everyone truly appreciated the chance to meet her, if only for a moment.

I had two very different experiences:
Many years ago I was walking in Times Square while they were shooting "Bright Lights, Big City." Next thing I know, I walk right up to Michael J. Fox. He was in-between scenes and when I said hello, he very graciously greeted me back.
A few years later, Hillary was in our company lobby, shaking hands. I got close to her but she must have grown bored by then because she stuck out her hand while looking the other way and the handshake was like holding onto a wet noodle.

While working in Manhattan a few years ago, entering the elevator was "that guy from TV". That guy from TV happened to be Jim Watkins. I said, "I forgot your name but i know your face". And he pleasantly said "Jim Watkins". I enjoy your humorous after comments nightly. I guess you are a celebrity because you are on TV every night and my wife loves your blue eyes.

-that guy from the elevator :)

I once witnessed Wayne Gretzky knowingly shun a mentally handicapped girl at a charity golf game for the mentally handicapped. It was the most horrible thing I have ever seen a celebrity do, just shameful.

Ran into Bob Balaben(Seinfeld exec who George comments about his daughter, translater in Close Encounters) on line in Costco. I said didn't we go to High School together...he replied he gets taken for someone else all the time. Talked for a few minutes about how it was working on Seinfeld. A very warm and gracious guy.

Several years ago, my wife and I were at JFK , having just returned from a vacation in Sweden. As we were waiting to be driven to our car, we noticed Muhammad Ali sitting on a bench waiting for his car to pick him up. This is soon after his symptoms of Parkinson's were first appearing. I couldn't resist not going over and talking to him. He was so gracious and sweet and I still have his autograph.
This note is coming from Morrisville, NC (near Raleigh) where we moved 8+ years ago. But I still can get my news via WPIX, thanks to a Dish Network package that I receive.
Regards from North Carolina........Steve Bank

Owen Wilson was standing near the bathroom chatting with a friend at the exclusive Koi Restaurant in LA. On our way to the ladies room, my friend and I recognized him and stopped to tell him that we thought that he was hysterical and enjoyed his movies. He totally ignored us and then claimed that we were rude. It's not like we walked up to his table and interrupted his dinner, he was standing by the bathroom. I will never see another one of his films.

In social settings, I've also met Steven Spielberg, Adrian Grenier, 50 Cent, Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyonce Knowles, Angelina Jolie, Chris Rock, and Tyson Beckford - and they were extremely friendly and polite.

For 8 years I worked on Madison Avenue for Johnston & Murphy, the domestic manufacturer of men’s footwear, who at one time also sold shoes for women. I remember the beginning of March in 1987; imagine meeting Lee Remick and Paul Newman in the same week. Lee Remick-Gowans was her married name, and she was bathed in beauty and feminine beyond dream. She didn’t say much as she entered our store with another woman, but my heart stopped, for she jumped off the movie screen right into my minuscule world.

Two days later another legend, Paul Newman, walked into Johnston & Murphy; he was friendly and a true gentleman, with a great sense of humor. As I was talking to him, there was a woman trying on shoes. She kept turning her head towards Mr. Newman, as she at first wasn’t sure who he was.

Him and I joked as if he were actually an employee of the store, and I told her he was the assistant manager. She soon realized the truth. A short time later, Mr. Newman asked to use the phone, and he called his wife, another legend, Joanne Woodward. He inquired about size and color. He purchased 2 pair for her (size 8m), and 2 for himself (size 10 narrow). I was talking to "The Hustler”, and “Hud”, and the man who held Elizabeth Taylor in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”.This was truly surreal.

In 1988 I met Frank Gifford, who worked at the time in the building above the store. He purchased several pairs of patent leather dress shoes (size 11D), as I’m sure he had many affairs to attend. In January of 1989, boxer Gerald Cooney the walked into the store, and I sold him 2 pair of shoes (size 13D). I at first didn’t recognize him, until he said, ”What’s your name”. After I replied he extended his hand and said, "Hello John, I’m Gerry Cooney”.

Some of the other celebrities I have met were Joel Siegal (size 9D), Tom Synder (size 11D), Neil Sedaka (size 7EEE), and Dick Clark (size 9D). Yet the ultimate experience was when a woman entered one day with a kerchief over her head and sunglasses on, disguising her appearance. As she removed the sunglasses, she said to me,"Do you know where the Bottega Veneta is located?”. I replied that it was on the next block, between 59th & 60th Street. It was Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, and I could have died.

I saved the receipt copies of the people who did purchase merchandise, with the signatures intact. What memories. The only negative encounter was with Marvin Hamlisch the songwriter, who was obnoxious and disrespectful. This story was published by Rush & Molloy, in the "Close Encounters" section of the Daily News on August 24, 1996, which is why these dates and encounters will never be forgotten.

For 8 years I worked on Madison Avenue for Johnston & Murphy, the domestic manufacturer of men’s footwear, who at one time also sold shoes for women. I remember the beginning of March in 1987; imagine meeting Lee Remick and Paul Newman in the same week. Lee Remick-Gowans was her married name, and she was bathed in beauty and feminine beyond dream. She didn’t say much as she entered our store with another woman, but my heart stopped, for she jumped off the movie screen right into my minuscule world.

Two days later another legend, Paul Newman, walked into Johnston & Murphy; he was friendly and a true gentleman, with a great sense of humor. As I was talking to him, there was a woman trying on shoes. She kept turning her head towards Mr. Newman, as she at first wasn’t sure who he was.

Him and I joked as if he were actually an employee of the store, and I told her he was the assistant manager. She soon realized the truth. A short time later, Mr. Newman asked to use the phone, and he called his wife, another legend, Joanne Woodward. He inquired about size and color. He purchased 2 pair for her (size 8m), and 2 for himself (size 10 narrow). I was talking to "The Hustler”, and “Hud”, and the man who held Elizabeth Taylor in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”.This was truly surreal.

In 1988 I met Frank Gifford, who worked at the time in the building above the store. He purchased several pairs of patent leather dress shoes (size 11D), as I’m sure he had many affairs to attend. In January of 1989, boxer Gerald Cooney the walked into the store, and I sold him 2 pair of shoes (size 13D). I at first didn’t recognize him, until he said, ”What’s your name”. After I replied he extended his hand and said, "Hello John, I’m Gerry Cooney”.

Some of the other celebrities I have met were Joel Siegal (size 9D), Tom Synder (size 11D), Neil Sedaka (size 7EEE), and Dick Clark (size 9D). Yet the ultimate experience was when a woman entered one day with a kerchief over her head and sunglasses on, disguising her appearance. As she removed the sunglasses, she said to me,"Do you know where the Bottega Veneta is located?”. I replied that it was on the next block, between 59th & 60th Street. It was Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, and I could have died.

I saved the receipt copies of the people who did purchase merchandise, with the signatures intact. What memories. The only negative encounter was with Marvin Hamlisch the songwriter, who was obnoxious and disrespectful. This story was published by Rush & Molloy, in the "Close Encounters" section of the Daily News on August 24, 1996, which is why these dates and encounters will never be forgotten.

In 2006 I had the privilege of meeting the incredible and ever so stylish Mr. G at the Feast for Famous Faces. I was the young lady in Red dress who escorted Mr.G to the auction room. He was extremely nice, and friendly, he had a great sense of humor, and he wore his famous yellow tie (great color on him by the way)I just want to say thank you Mr. G for making my night, you are an awesome individual!

~Nicole.

Saw former Governor George Pataki on a flight earlier this year. He was very nice and approachable: shook my hand, chatted, asked questions. He seemed to be very smart and a real solid guy, with a lot of substance.

Saw former Governor George Pataki on a flight earlier this year. He was very nice and approachable: shook my hand, chatted, asked questions. He seemed to be very smart and a real solid guy, with a lot of substance.

Jim,
My brush with fame was by two one BonJOVI HE WAS WITHOUT a doubt the worst took our table in St Thomas when he bought his house at least his band sat with us and sad they were sorry and we are form the Jersey shore then met Keith Richards spent the after noon in Antiguia with him and his family he was great so interesting and everyone says he has nothing the man was very interesting and polite he couldn't do enough to make us feel at home. Johe B u need to take notice. BTW Springteen works out at my daughter gym whitch I won't mention and all say he is the absolute best!!Of course so are you Jim and Ciddy sorry for the miss spell

Hi Jim...I know I am a lttle late for this Blog,but I wanted to tell you what happened to me.
It's been a 35 year dream to met my idol,the rock/punk singer Patti Smith. Last year I saw her perform at the Met,and after the show people were going backstage and I followed. She was freaking out about all the people coming into the room. I finally got next to her and I wanted to show her my tattoo of her on my arm...so she put her hand over her eyes and said " I am not looking at anything ". Granted she signed one of her books for me and shook my hand. I still love her,but the whole matter was alittle out of hand.

I've met several celebrities, and have to say I haven't had a bad experience yet either. I think that some of these people just can't handle their fame, and the constant requests from fans gets to them. I'd like to think that wouldn't be me, but who knows how we'd all handle such fame. I'd like to think I wouldn't be a total ass towards anyone, but I might get annoyed at some time or another. Who knows?

Dave

Oh yeah. My list of celeb meetings is Charlie Daniels, Mary Lou Retton, Herchel Walker, Sam Walton and his wife, Kathie Lee Gifford (not really bitchy but surrounded by so many body guards there wasn't a chance for too much interaction), Joey Sindelar (Pro Golfer my Sister graduated with), a dozens top Gospel recording artists.

Oh wow. I've met a few people too:
Matt Pinfield (Music personality and TV host, most notably from MTV):Met him when I was working at a high-end gym, he was one of the nicest fellows I met, ever. Was more than happy to give me his autograph, which I immediately laminated and still have. :)
Irv Gotti: Met him where I'm working now. I gave him a chastising look after he picked all the chocolates out of the candy dish on my desk and he shrank like a little kid. lol
Chelsea Clinton: I nearly literally bumped into her as she was exiting a coffee shop. She had her mother's piercing blue eyes that peered from her father's face. Nice girl.
Rupaul: Met him also at the gym where I was working. Very nice, looks completely different without all the makeup but very sociable, happily signed autographs.
And last, I met your colleague, Peter Thorne! Met him twice. He's quite the looker on tv but OMG in person I found him to be so handsome I could barely look at him, just sat there blushing so hard that my skin got all prickly. And I could barely speak, either! LOL Very, very nice and sweet, he was. :)