Will and Jane Go to the Library
Dec 29th 2009
Sabrina JeffriesGoddess Grins & Sabrina Jeffries
I confess I’ve only seen a celebrity in the flesh once, and I’m not completely certain it was her, but I would swear I saw Peri Gilpin (who played Roz on Frasier) in the airport in New Orleans years ago. I considered asking her if it was her and telling her I was a fan of the show and her work, but I was too chicken. Plus, I couldn’t remember her real name–just her character name.
My FATHER, on the other hand, introduced himself to Muhummad Ali in an airport, so he could argue with him about things Ali had said in the media. I wasn’t there, but my younger brother was, and he wanted to kill my dad. He just wanted Ali’s autograph. Both my brothers have met way more celebrities than I have. I guess I’m never in the right place at the right time. Plus, writers spend most of their time cooped up in their office–hard to meet celebrities that way.
Okay, so tell the truth–have you ever seen a celebrity in the flesh? What did you do? Was it a good experience? Bad? Did you get an autograph? Can I have it? (okay, just kidding)
P.S. my new librarian action figure, complete with library and book cart, was a gift from Lynn Eyermann. Thank you, Lynn!! I love it!
73 Comments »
73 Responses to “Will and Jane Go to the Library”
B on 29 Dec 2009 at 2:28 am #
YAY!!!!! A Sabrina Blog! ♥
I saw sitcoms tapings when I was in LA, so, I’ve met my share of B-List celebrities, none of which I was particularly excited about meeting. You can have the autographs if you want, Sabrina! I really don’t care much. I just am not a celebrity person anymore. Of course, I wouldn’t pass up the chance of meeting Nathan Fillion, David Boreanaz or Michael Weatherly. Though I’m so shy I would probably just stare and drool. Ehh.
You know, I’d much rather get to meet some writers!!! Though I’d probably be just as shy and just stare… And, believe me, my autographed books are treasure. Priorities, I suppose!
LisaK on 29 Dec 2009 at 2:44 am #
I’m with B on meeting writers – they’re the real celebrities in my life!
I’ve never met either German or international celebrities but I have to admit that I don’t overly care about meeting them. If I saw someone famous I’d wonder whether he/she would be interested in talking to me since they a) don’t know me and b) maybe have met people like me all day and just want to be left alone.
However, there are a director and a former Olympic champion (skiing) living in my village. I don’t think I’ve ever met the director but I constantly see the skier (his sons are a little younger than I) and I so don’t like him, his annoying sons and his crazy mother, so that relativizes it all! *g*
Oh, I just remembered that I’ve once met Sky du Mont, a famous German acter with a very sexy voice. I was maybe eight or nine years old and the whole village gathered in our church where he read from a book my former neighbour had written – I was too afraid to ask for an autograph but the older son of a friend of my father’s was so nice and got it for me. However, I didn’t feel a thrill or anything when I met him. Seems I’m just not very responsive to celebs!
Tina on 29 Dec 2009 at 3:08 am #
I have never met anyone famous.
My dad has met a few, but since they were not in old Westerns, he did not recognize them.
There are supposed to be several celebrities with summer residences in the county.
Archer on 29 Dec 2009 at 3:20 am #
I met a few celebs when I was in NYC, but nobody exciting. I met a few of the models when I was working at Victoria’s Secret. Most of them aren’t that good looking up close, however Adriana Lima is both beyond gorgeous and sooo nice… almost depressing. I also saw Sean Paul there. He looked totally fried. A lot of my friends in NYC used to see celebs in club suede.
Last year I saw Luke Perry at JFK. He is much cuter up close. I didn’t approach him though.
I have an autographed picture of David Boreanaz. I’d be happy to trade it for a copy of Suzanne Enoch’s Black Dukes Prize
nancyg on 29 Dec 2009 at 3:39 am #
I’ve met a few….
hockey players during the NHL All-Star game in Dallas – DD #1 still hasn’t forgiven me for not getting Sidney Crosby’s autograph for her, lol. but, at the time, I was being, literally swallowed by the Atlanta mascot (my friends paid him $50 to mug me – they have it on video).
Other than that, Mario Andretti? a few rock stars, nobody you’d probably know (members of INXS? the Alarm? the Church? yeah – I’m an 80’s gal!!)
My dad knew Al Pacino’s agent – I was a poly sci major/pre-law because of his movie “And Justice For All…” – saw it on HBO, sneaked down into the basement at age 12 after my parents went to sleep because it was rated “R” – mwhahaha – anyway, have an autographed picture – still in the cheap 70’s frame my dad presented to to me in – on my honeymoon, our 1st apt flooded, water sluicing down the wall while we were gone, ruined the picture, but I still have it!
Mr. G is an autographed sports memorabilia addict – have Nolan Ryan, Ted Williams, Mario LeMieux, Michael Shumacher (ok, that one is MINE!!!), Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Bobby Orr, Rocket Richard, and a lot of other hockey dudes I didn’t even know existed, lol.
nancyg on 29 Dec 2009 at 3:44 am #
I’ve met almost all the goddesses here at one time or another, mostly thru the RWA Nationals in Dallas in the last few years.
I did meet “NORA” – but I didn’t know who she was. She got her hair cut & didn’t look like her picture on the back flap of her book(s). I never look at the author photos anyway (sorry, goddesses) because y’all never look the same in person – different hairstyles (sometimes color), make-up, etc.! Anyway, I had a 10-minute conversation with her outside the hotel lobby, just chatting; she liked my perfume & commented on it – I made her sniff my wrist & offered her a spritz from my purse bottle, lol. I was totally oblivious to who she was.
Everyone was laughing at me when she went back into the conference, saying, “see ya, Nora”. In my defense, I stated, “well, she wasn’t wearing the required name tag!!” Apparently, everyone BUT me at the con knew who she was, ROTFL….
MizMacgyver on 29 Dec 2009 at 4:53 am #
I have met authors and I consider them celebrities. I even had dinner with some of the Romance Bandits. That was fun, actually it was hilarious, those ladies are a hoot.
LisaK on 29 Dec 2009 at 5:17 am #
Nancy, you’ve met the Nora? Now that I’m envious of!
Bronte on 29 Dec 2009 at 6:04 am #
Nancy – if I was your daughter and you failed to get me Sidney Crosby’s autograph I’d be devastated. I have met several australian celebrities in my line of work – actors, sportsman, fashion designers and the odd ex-prime minister but none that would be internationally recognised. I haven’t been star struck by any of them. Some have been nice and normal. Some have not been above trying to use their celebrity status to turn things to their advantage and some have been a pain in the butt (usually the politicians).
Kathy on 29 Dec 2009 at 6:34 am #
I met Andre the Giant on a ferry ride to PEI when I was a child. my brother got his autograph.
My sister was engaged to Fergus O’Byrne from Ryan’s Fancy when I was ten, so the rest of them came to my pool a few times.
I was 23 when I met Pink Floyd at a private party in 1987. Told this story way too many times on here. Shook their hands and that was it for conversation other than hello how are yous.
“Mr Lahey” from The Trailer Park boys sat on my front porch last year while filming scenes for Countdown to Liquor day. he asked me for a phone book and we chatted for a bit.
Only Canadians would know who this band is but I used to know the members of Haywire. Paul MacAusland got around and dated two of my friends through the yrs. I cut Marvin Birt’s hair then asked him if he was Brian Adams. he got such a kick out of that a friendship was born -we talked all the time whenever we saw each other at clubs.
LoriHandeland on 29 Dec 2009 at 6:39 am #
I once spent an afternoon with Michael Jordan and his parents. This was back when I was working for a professional photographer who was photographing Jordan for Sports Illustrated. That was interesting. This was before he was HUGE. I think it was his second year in the league.
Shared an elevator once with Davey Jones of the Monkeys, and later that same weekend with Mickey Dolenz. They were staying at our hotel. I didn’t say anything. Just smiled, nodded, got off.
Saw Richard Thomas (The Waltons) in New Orleans. He was with his family. Didn’t say anything.
I see a pattern here . . .
Oldest son, on the other hand, saw Dwayne Wade on the Marquette Campus, ran him down and got his autograph. He’s also has Brett Favre and Michael Jordan. I think you’d have to wrestle him for those, Sabrina.
Kathy on 29 Dec 2009 at 6:39 am #
Nancy, I can get Sydney’s autograph- he’s from my hometown! The next time he’s around I’ll go to the event, and see what I can do.
Oh don’t know if I told this story- I collided with the then campaigning Brian Mulroney. I was rushing home and he came out of a side door of a church hall in Pictou NS and wham! I flew to the ground, he stumbled a bit and came up to shake my hand when I got to my feet! lol
Archer on 29 Dec 2009 at 7:04 am #
nancyg I soooo wanna see that video
Margaret on 29 Dec 2009 at 7:20 am #
What a treat to have Will & Jane usher us into the new year. Thank you, Sabrina. Poor Will is such a schlub, isn’t he?
I saw a then-famous tv celebrity at the L.A. Farmer’s Market back in the late 50’s. Don’t even remember his but can his face. He was a panelist on various game shows & was funny. Hal something.
I used to see country singer Charlie Pride at a big mall in Dallas often. We even chatted once while waiting for shopping friends. Nice guy.
I met a few celebrities when I worked at Neiman-Marcus’s flagship store in Dallas. Debbie Reynolds at the cosmetic counter. She looked old even in the 70’s, but she was nice. Talked to Lucille Ball & Sammy Davis, Jr. on the phone. She was ordering a gift for her assistant who normally be the caller. Poor Sammy had to be turned down as his credit was shot.
I actually had dinner & an afternoon on the beach in Manzanillo, Mexico with Burt Reynolds. He was making a forgettable Mexican movie. He was fairly fresh from Gunsmoke then. So funny and we talked quite a bit. Manzanillo was a quiet little village in the 50’s. Not the plush resort it is today.
That’s about it for my celeb sightings. I didn’t approach any for an autograph.
Pesky on 29 Dec 2009 at 8:00 am #
I’ve seen plenty of celebrities, I live down the road from Robert DeNiro’s acting studio, worked at resort locations where they regularly came, and live in a town which is infested with them. I just don’t feel like their personal time is enhanced by my rushing up to them and asking for an autograph.
My parents told me stories about meeting the greats, Fairbanks Jr., Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, Robert Mitchum… They worked at Schrafts in NYC, which was a studio commissary at the time. My cousin worked as head of props in several movies (Sandra Bullock and Sylvester Stallone were bees knees, Sharon Crazylady…not so much). The stories told by them seemed to just prove that they were people like you and me, and since I hate being interrupted in the middle of things, I figure they would too, therefore I don’t.
I will also say that when I have crossed paths with celebrities they have been really polite and nice to me. Probably because when I was young I was serving them food…never good to tick off the person serving you food.
Michelle B on 29 Dec 2009 at 8:02 am #
In college I worked at a Country Club in my home town. I was a waitress in the main dining room. One night I was assigned to a table with Gordon McRae (from the old musicals, “Oklahoma” and “Carousal” among others) and his wife. Gordon couldn’t have been nicer, but his wife was a very unpleasant, rude, and unfriendly person. Gordon didn’t say much and I got the feeling she wore the pants in that family. I didn’t do the fan thing, just took care of them.
kay on 29 Dec 2009 at 8:04 am #
Is there a difference between actually meeting someone and lurking behind a book stand? I went to a book expo one year where there was a bevy of authors, including Patricia Rice, Eloisa James, Mary Jo Putney and some others standing around talking, that was when I was lurking. Never did work up enough courage to interrupt them. I did manage to mumble my way through and get Mary Balogh’s autograph. Also, introduced myself to Gayle Wilson and managed to insult the author from Ellora’s Cave who was standing right beside her. I had no idea who she was, still can’t remember, it’s all a blur.
Lisa H on 29 Dec 2009 at 8:21 am #
The only celebrity I ever met was Bill Daley from “I Dream of Jeannie” and “The Bob Newhart Show”. He was waiting for his daughter at the Albuquerque airport, while I was waiting for my parents. He was very nice and friendly and gave me his autograph.
He is the only celebrity I ever met, except of course for Johnny Depp who visits me nightly to tell me pirate stories and keep me warm.
Kathy – I once saw Andre the Giant at a wrestling match. He really was huge!
Lisa H on 29 Dec 2009 at 8:22 am #
Margaret – dinner and an afternoon with Burt Reynolds??? WOW!
Amy Scott on 29 Dec 2009 at 8:31 am #
The only actor I have seen in the flesh is Kevin Bacon. I was having lunch with some friends out on a patio in downtown Toronto, and he just walked by. No one said anything to him, but we all acted like school girls, giggling and whispering. I would love to meet George Clooney, Johnny Depp and Ewan McGregor. However, if I did meet them, I would probably be a babbling idiot. So, it’s probably better for me to admire them from afar.
I have met a few baseball players and hockey players. For the most part they are more then willing to sign autographs. I am not a big believer in asking for autographs unless it’s at an event. I feel bad for celebs and sports personalities that are trying to eat dinner or spend time with their family, and fans are bugging them for autographs. I feel that there is a time and place for those things. That said, I don’t agree with celebs being rude to fans who ask for autographs, these are the people who listen to your music or watch your movies.
Sabrina Jeffries on 29 Dec 2009 at 8:31 am #
B and LisaK, I confess that I’m a bit jaded about writers as celebrities, and I was that way BEFORE I became a writer. As an English grad student at an upscale university (Tulane) I met lots of famous literary writers: Jorge Luis Borges (got his autograph), Allen Ginsberg (got HIS autograph), Ursula K. Leguin (I think I have her autograph–not sure), Margaret Atwood, Iris Murdoch. Then going to writer’s conferences as an aspiring writer, I met Edward Albee. I chatted with some of these people at length.
Once I became a romance writer (eons ago), I met lots of famous writers: Diana Gabaldon, Judith McNaught, Julie Garwood, Kathleen Woodiwiss, Linda Howard, Nora Roberts … the list goes on an on. So I guess I tend not to be as excited about meeting famous writers. But just once, I’d like to come across a famous actor or actress or singer. That would be cool.
Archer, I’m not surprised to hear that the models aren’t gorgeous close up. Those pictures have to be doctored to death. Have you ever seen the Dove commercial about what is done for ads: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYhCn0jf46U It really puts all that in perspective.
cail on 29 Dec 2009 at 8:39 am #
Hi ladies! I’ve missed you. I was out of town for the holidays, so a belated Merry Christmas to all who celebrate.
I met far to many celebs in my time in NYC. Bill Pullman did a show at the theater company I worked at, tons of people showed up at the various casting studios that I interned at in college, and Ethan Hawk invited me out to the post show events (I totally didn’t realize it was him till after the fact) after I met a family friend backstage at a show.) I also met Steve Martin there. He wasn’t very nice… the list could go on and on, but I’ve never met a celeb in a place where you wouldn’t expect to meet one…
Sabrina Jeffries on 29 Dec 2009 at 8:50 am #
nancyg, wow, Al Pacino. That would be cool!
Miz MacGyver, the Romance Bandits ARE a hoot. A great bunch of ladies.
Bronte, why does it not surprise me to hear that the politicians were a pain in the butt?
Margaret, I think Burt Reynolds is plenty, don’t you? *G* I love your Burt Reynolds story.
Pesky–”never good to tick off the person serving you food” LOL! How true!
Kathy, it would have been cool to meet Andre the Giant while he was alive! I still love The Princess Bride.
Lori, I would have LOVED to meet some of the Monkees. I was a huge fan–had the Monkees dolls and everything.
Claudia Dain on 29 Dec 2009 at 8:53 am #
I’ve seen quite a few, living in LA and all. It was considered rude to ask for an autograph, or that’s what my mom taught me, so I never did. Never even wanted to. I don’t get the fascination with autographs, even my own. Why would anyone want a signed book? LOL I don’t get it.
Anyway, I’ve had dinner with Fred MacMurray (his daughter was in my sorority) and lunch with his wife June Haver at their Beverly Hills home, stopped my car in Malibu to let Walter Matthau cross the PCH, talked to Walter Brennan on the pier in Malibu while he was fishing next to my dad, stood in a movie line with Cheryl Ladd (she’s more gorgeous in person than on film), saw Gallagher in a stockbrokerage office, was carried away from a car accident by Jesse White (the original Maytag “lonely guy” repair man).
My mom had cocktails with Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis at a political fund-raiser in the early 60s. I saw Jamie Lee Curtis at a small museum at Washington and Lee in Virginia.
My mom’s best friend went to church with Jimmy Durante.
That’s all I can remember off the top of my head.
Alicia on 29 Dec 2009 at 8:56 am #
CUTE, CUTE, CUTE!!
Never met a celebrity.
Not many celebs want to come to Arkansas and I don’t ever get to go anywhere either! 
Claudia Dain on 29 Dec 2009 at 8:57 am #
Oh, almost forgot: Don Knotts sat behind me at the theater in USC–his daughter was performing.
I also sat behind Paula Prentiss and Richard Benjamin while seeing a play.
Also saw Rachel Welch at a premier showing of The Three Musketeers at USC. She answered questions from the stage; lovely, classy woman. She got some rude questions from some boys and handled them well.
Sabrina Jeffries on 29 Dec 2009 at 8:57 am #
MichelleB–LOL about Gordon MacRae’s wife being the “pants in the family.” I wonder if that’s the case with some other celebrity couples.
kay, had to laugh about your managing to “insult an author.” That would be my great fear if I met a celebrity–that I’d put my foot in my mouth SOME kind of way. I’ve done it before. *G*
And I just want to say here and now that if any of you ever run into me (at a conference or anywhere) and do not introduce yourselves, I’m going to be extremely put out! I always love meeting people, but especially our bloggers.
Lisa H, I’d settle for Bill Daley. He’s a hoot!
Amy, I would SO love to meet Johnny Depp. I find him fascinating.
Cail, we missed you, too! And what was Bill Pullman like? I really like his movies.
Sabrina Jeffries on 29 Dec 2009 at 9:00 am #
Claudia, I’m like you–not sure why the autograph thing is such a big deal. I just want to talk to some of these celebrities, and since I’m sure they have way better things to do with their time than have their brains picked by me, I wouldn’t ever attempt it.
TrishD on 29 Dec 2009 at 9:02 am #
What amazing stories! Here’s mine… everyone pull out your ’70’s memories of a TV classic “The Dukes of Hazard”. There was a character on the show named Cooter, the mechanic played by Ben Jones. Ben’s mom lived in Wilimington, NC and we just happened to live around the corner from her. Although she was old enough to be my mom’s mom, they were good friends. One summer Ben came to visit his mom and he brought his daughter with him. One day they decided to head off to the beach and since I was his daughters age, I was invited along. Somewhere I have a picture from that trip… of me with his daughter, not him.
At the same time, my older sister went to Trask Jr High in Wilimington, NC. Jump ahead 10+ years and Nike ran an add about Michael Jordan and how he was cut from his basketball team and he could only practice on the courts of Trask Jr High. My brain went into overdrive, Jordan and my sister are about the same age. She pulled out her Jr High year book and yep, in the class ahead of her is one Michael Jordan!
Madeline Hunter on 29 Dec 2009 at 9:21 am #
I never met a celebrity, I don’t think (unless we count the writer ones). I am even related to some and I’ve never met them, LOL. Frank Sinatra’s first wife was my mother’s cousin, but do you think I ever met him? Nope. Mom did, of course. She remembered him back when he was, in her words, a “pimply faced kid.” That always made me laugh, and took a bit of the celebrity worship potential out of my life. No matter how famous a person becomes, no matter how glamorous and out of reach, somewhere there are people who remember him “when.”
If I did ever see any celebrity, it would probably take me so long to convince myself I had actually seen them that they would be long gone before I did, and asking for an autograph would be out of the question. I’m told they don’t really look the same in real life. Smaller somehow, LOL.
Joy on 29 Dec 2009 at 9:31 am #
I’ve met multiple celebrities in the flesh. There are 2 that stand out for me. Both “meetings” were strictly by accident in the airport. For the first, I was walking to my gate at DFW when Joe Montana (San Francisco 49 quarterback literally ran right into me). I didn’t get an autograph. He was obviously in a hurry; but, I did get a nice apology and a smile. For the second, I was waiting in the Atlanta airport tram to take me to the main terminal when another fast moving celebrity ran right into me (I was standing still in the tram). The tram was overly full. It was close to a holiday weekend. I had my nose pushed into the chest of Don King (fight & record promoter) for the entire ride. I got neither an apology for him stepping all over my toes, running into me, or anything. But, I wasn’t angry. I was just surprised to meet him.
elsiehogarth on 29 Dec 2009 at 9:31 am #
Happy Holidays to all the Goddesses. I hope everyone was Naughty & Nice this year.
I met Harrison Ford, in the pouring rain, on my way to church at St. Pat’s Cathedral. I was totally star struck. I just couldn’t believe that I was standing face to face with Han Solo and the only thing I could tell the man was that I’m on my way to the 11am Mass. It was a complete Charlie Brown moment: Aaagh!
I’ve also seen Gynweth Paltrow on the A train. She’s very thin but very nice.
Rachel Gibson on 29 Dec 2009 at 9:45 am #
I’ve never met any stars. But I have seen both Demi Moore and Clint Eastwood when I’ve been in Sun Valley. Also saw Honey Bunny (can’t remember her name) from Pulp Fiction walking down Fifth Avenue in NY. That’s it. Those are my only brushes with the famous.
Trini on 29 Dec 2009 at 9:50 am #
I’m with B and Lisa K, writers are very important for me… for that reason I’m still in “shock” because I can’t believe that I can talk with all you Goddess.
A few years ago, when I was on holidays in Portugal I was with Julio Iglesias (spanish singer). We were at the same hotel and my husband, my son and me were watching soccer (football) on tv with Julio… he was very kind with us, he was sitting by my side and it was a nice and funny moment (two hours)… of course I have and autograph…
Lisa H on 29 Dec 2009 at 9:54 am #
Sabrina – you met Kathleen E. Woodiwiss? I so love her! She is the one who turned me on to reading romance. What was she like?
Deb on 29 Dec 2009 at 10:10 am #
I’ve met Julia Quinn and got her autograph and a pic with her.
I’ve met several of the Osmond Brothers and got pics and autographs, on several diff occasions.
I’ve met the author Cindy Gerard. We both go to the same little bookstore in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and I met her there.
Michelle B on 29 Dec 2009 at 10:16 am #
Claudia, I’m not an autograph hound, but I love signed books. I look at it this way, a painter signs his work of art and a book is a work of art that represents so much more. So proudly sign your books, girl, those are wonderful works of art that come from inside you!
Barb Chansky on 29 Dec 2009 at 10:32 am #
Few years ago, quite by accident discovered that Helen Fielding would be in B and N in Union Squire signing her latest book. Being an Anglophile, I already got that book from British Amazon about half a year before the event. Never the less, went and got two autographed books – for myself and my sis (who introduced me to Bridget Jones to being with):) Of course, being an eternal “optimist”, did not take all my Fielding library with me as really did really believe I could get in. Since when, people keep telling me to sell it and get some much needed greenbacks – but I am keeping it!
Deb on 29 Dec 2009 at 10:49 am #
I agree, Michelle B!! Annie West just sent me one of her books with a lovely inscription on the title page as well as a note on a card! Autographed books are to be treasured.
Janae on 29 Dec 2009 at 10:51 am #
Living in LA I’ve seen more than a few celebrities, especially at LAX. I’ve never asked for an autograph or went up to meet any of them because I feel like that they deserve their privacy.
Because of my dh’s job, he has met and worked with quite a few A-list celebrities. One time he worked with Debra Messing and brought the dvd home from her recording session. Our then 4 yo son, say Debra and asked my dh, ‘Why is mommy at work?’ She really does look like she could be one of my sisters, which is why my dh brought the dvd home for me to see. Another time my dh sat next to Steven Spielberg during a screening and took notes for him. When my dh left that company, he sent a children’s book that he wrote and illustrated to Spielberg, who had his assistant call my dh at home and thank him for the book.
Claudia Dain on 29 Dec 2009 at 11:07 am #
MichelleB, that’s a nice way to look at it! Thanks!
Claudia Dain on 29 Dec 2009 at 11:09 am #
On the subject of Gordon MacRae, my mom told me he cheated on his wife horribly, a real skirt chaser. Maybe that’s why his wife was so crabby?
Sabrina Jeffries on 29 Dec 2009 at 11:59 am #
Lisa H, Kathleen was a Louisiana author (I’m from Louisiana originally). Our chapter had a retreat near her house, and someone in the group arranged for us to go to her house, meet her, and be able to buy books. I have a signed Woodiwiss as a result!
She was very, very nice. We all chatted with her and enjoyed her company for a short while, before heading back to wherever the retreat was. That’s actually all I remember about the retreat–meeting her! She was a very gracious Southern woman.
SheridanLA on 29 Dec 2009 at 12:01 pm #
Cute comic, Sabrina! hehehe
Like Janae, I am in LA, so I bump into them all the time. When I first moved here, it was a bit surreal to be in a shop and see so-and-so from whatever movie or be sittin on the same row as them in a movie.. or in a restaurant with people from TV and film flanking you at each table. I don’t collect autographs or photos, though I do have one from Pat Benatar saying “thanks” after I put together the backstage and hospitality areas of her concert at my college. It was sent to me after the show… and the opening act autographed the concert rider after I sneaked a wheel of brie from the main green room into their dressing room. I was their hero.
and I keep bumping into Edie McClurg (Ferris Beuller’s Day off, and MANY other things) she was one of the first actors I saw when I moved here (she was at the next table at dinner) then introduced to her at a party a year or so later by a mutual friend, then ran into her at the Bowl one night.
Madeline Hunter on 29 Dec 2009 at 12:05 pm #
ooo-ooo! I have met a celebrity, I realize. Before he was one. The Michael Jordan story reminded me. I went to high school with Luke Skywalker. Mark Hamill and I were in the drama group together. He looked like a little kid then, which was why he could play a teenager when he was in his twenties. He was very, very funny too. (And he really is smaller in real life!)
I did not put 2 and 2 together on who he was, even with his name everywhere, in part because he looked so different in the movie. Then I saw a documentary of the making of Star Wars. There was this distant shot of him sitting next to one of the female cast members on a wall between takes. He was talking to her, grinning, and his legs were crossed. Suddenly he levitated into the air, recrossed his legs the other direction while up, and landed. The lightbulb went off in my head. I knew that move (he loved to show it off in h.s.), and that grin, and I realized who it was. It was a real OMG moment.
evlqn on 29 Dec 2009 at 12:22 pm #
When I lived in LA I met a lot of celebrities. The first was Chuck Connors _total jerk!
Angela Landsbury came into the JJ Newberry’s where I worked and talked to us for nearly 45 minutes, I have her autograph.
Inga Swenson from Soap & Benson lived across the alley from me in Venice, I didn’t even know the lady I talked to at the dumpster was an actress until we saw her on TV
.
My youngest son ran into Fred Astair’s favorite body part in Beverly Hills, I offered to kill myself. Luckily he didn’t take me up on it.
Sammy Davis Jr. stopped traffic for me on Pacific Ave so I could get out of my driveway, I wish I had realized who it was before I turned.
My sons got suckers from Telly Savalas, he was filming Kojak down by our house.
My oldest has met Ryan O’Neal, Farrah, and Sylvester Stallone. He didn’t like O’Neal. I met Tatum, didn’t like her either.
I had Daniel J Travanti’s phone number & home address. I had Stallone’s also for a while.
We lived around the corner from Dennis Hopper in Venice. Max Gail, Fred Grandy.
evlqn on 29 Dec 2009 at 12:23 pm #
I’ve met Susanna Leigh, Debbie Wheeler, Chris Bunch & Alan Cole. They are the only writers I know that I’ve met except a friend who had me edit an article for him that later became a book. He is the reason I will NEVER edit anything again!
Sabrina Jeffries on 29 Dec 2009 at 12:24 pm #
Trish, Michael Jordan is definitely lauded as a famous son around these parts (North Carolina). How cool that your sister went to school with him!
Madeline, you KNEW Mark Hamill? Suzie must be SO jealous! He does look like he’d be quite the joker.
Joy, how rude of Don King not to apologize!
Wow, Elsie, between you and Madeline, that makes two of you who’ve met a Star Wars celeb. Anyone ever meet Carrie Fisher? That would be the trifecta!
Rachel, sounds like your life is about as celebrity-filled as mine. *G*
Trini, I think it would be pretty cool to meet Julio Iglesias. Actually, I wouldn’t mind meeting any singer or musician, since I’m such a big music fan.
Deb, when I was a teen, I would have killed to meet one of the Osmonds! I still have a soft spot for Donnie. *G*
Sabrina Jeffries on 29 Dec 2009 at 12:30 pm #
Barb, was there a huge crowd at the Helen Fielding signing? Was she nice?
Janae, funny you should mention Debra Messing–I got The Wedding Date as a Christmas present. I really loved her in it.
Sheridan (and Janae and eviqn, too, and all you L.A. people), I guess it would become fairly standard to see celebrities if you live around them. My area just doesn’t have any. *G*
Ooh, eviqn, I forgot about Inga Swenson. I really liked her in Benson. Now THAT’S a show I haven’t seen in a while. It was a good show, too.
evlqn on 29 Dec 2009 at 12:41 pm #
Sabrina, I really liked Inga and her dh Lowell, he does regional theater. I remember she came into my bookstore shortly after her son Jimmy was killed in a MVA in Hawaii and she was devastated. Jimmy & his girlfriend were expecting their first child, Hannah.
Rosalind Cash used to come in all the time to buy books from me. I really enjoyed talking to her, she turned me on to Maya Angelou.
Archer on 29 Dec 2009 at 1:03 pm #
Sabrina,
I love the Dove commercials.
Freshechelle on 29 Dec 2009 at 1:46 pm #
I work in luxury goods which has given me the opportunity to meet or see lots of celebs, politicians & athletes.
Here’s my highlights list: Barack Obama, Jacques Chirac, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Buzz Aldrin, Bill Cobsy, IM Pei (architect), Stephen Colbert, Marc Jacobs, Aretha Franklin, Mitch Albom, Corey Booker, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Peter Gammons from ESPN’s baseball coverage (I was shaking as if I had met Jesus and I didn’t even speak to him, just sat on the same airplane).
I get so self-conscious about not wanting to seem starstruck that I can’t say that I’ve had much conversation with most of the ones I mentioned.
Freshechelle on 29 Dec 2009 at 1:49 pm #
Sheridan, I love Edie McClurg. How cute the Mrs. Marv Mendenhall kepts popping up in your life. (That was her character on Letterman’s old a.m. show). Your reminded me that I once had to kick Squiggy from Laverne & Shirley out of my seat at a Dodger game.
SheridanLA on 29 Dec 2009 at 1:54 pm #
Fresh… she is the one I have been the most excited about… and I have seen some pretty cool people.. but I have always loved her.
Lynn Eyermann on 29 Dec 2009 at 2:05 pm #
I so agree with Michelle — I too love to have my authors (the locals whose books I carry in my shop) sign their books — people scarf that up!! So, Ms. Sabrina, when you come to visit us here, I will be sure to bring my ENTIRE personal collection for you to sign!!
As for other celebs: of course, being from NOLA, I have had Aaron & the rest of the Neville Brothers sign all of my CDs before we moved!!! I LOVE introducing people to Aaron’s voice!!! And, WAY back when I sold telophone equipment in NOLA, I had just installed a new system in Tipitina’s; consequently, I was a VIP there afterwards. I invited a couple of my neighbors to hang out one night, and we got balcony seating for the Neville’s. Lo’ & behold, Joan Baez was up there groovin’ away with us!!! I managed to get her autograph before she went down to the stage to sing a set with Aaron!!!
Judy F on 29 Dec 2009 at 3:24 pm #
I have met a few celebs in my day. Let’s see:
Huey Lewis (have picture) He was so nice. My friend Karen was freaking out. It was at a signing a local radio station did. Karen couldn’t say her name or anything. For some reason I was calm. Karen was before me in line and he asks her name. Karen says nothing. I answer for her. So after a couple of more tries to talk to her he asked me if I could help. LOL It was cute.
Eddie Money.
Johnny Bench. A slew of Bengal players. (back in the day when I went out to clubs sigh)
George Clooney’s dad does that count. LOL
I know there are more but I am running late to see my dad.
Meeting authors gets me tongued tied though
Margaret on 29 Dec 2009 at 3:50 pm #
I do believe our little group has covered the waterfront on celebrities and actual stars.
The only reason I got to hang out with Burt Reynolds was because he was staying in the same small Manzanillo hotel that I was. I was on a small aircraft pilot’s tour with my dad. Burt was, apparently, the only English speaking cast member of his movie. It was many years ago for both of us. I was 23 at the time and am 71 now. You do the math. LOL He was so sexy back in the day. And every bit the Southern gentleman.
Car accident, Claudia? Pray give us the details on that. I have heard the Jesse was a very nice guy.
Suzanne Enoch on 29 Dec 2009 at 4:16 pm #
Okay, I’m gone for part of the day and people are offering me autographed David Boreanaz photos in exchange for one of my books, seeing Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford? Yeesh!
Having in my former life attended various sci-fi conventions, I’ve run across William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, David Prowse (D. Vader’s body), James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Winston, Carrie Fisher, Richard Hatch, Richard Marquand, etc.
In my outside life in SoCal, I’ve seen Tom Bosley (at a car rental place), Arnold again (he was making a movie in my local mall), Pat O’Brien (interviewing Arnold), Jack Lord (a very rude man), Michael Jackson (at Disneyland). My sis used to work at Disneyland, and she’s seen Steven Spielberg, Tom Cruise, and a ton of others.
Kathy on 29 Dec 2009 at 4:52 pm #
whoa! I’m starstruck just reading all the meets!
wow!
Sabrina Jeffries on 29 Dec 2009 at 5:58 pm #
Well, it’s official–since Suzie met Carrie Fisher, we have the Star Wars trifecta right here! And a good portion of the Star Trek people as well. *G*
Judy F, did you ever see the Just Shoot Me episode with Huey Lewis? He and Dennis played air guitar. It was hilarious!
Fresh, you met Barack Obama and Stephen Colbert?? That would be cool.
Susan Elizabeth Phillips I’ve actually spent some time with. She was in New Orleans speaking at a conference and Rexanne and I took her around the French Quarter. She was so much fun!
Lynn, I would love to meet Joan Baez! You know, you’d think with my living in New Orleans for so many years that I would have met or seen some celebs, but no. I must be celebrity kryptonite. *G*
Judy F on 29 Dec 2009 at 6:05 pm #
Ah Sabrina I wished I had seen that one.
Louisa Cornell on 29 Dec 2009 at 7:13 pm #
Yay! Will and Jane are back!! Love it!
Let me see. I’ve met Vincent Price. He did a one man show – Oscar Wilde and answered questions afterwards. He was delightful, funny and sweet. I still have the autographed program.
I sang for Pavarotti at a master class when I was in grad school. He was complimentary and made me feel really good about my singing. He was funny too.
I do count authors and I have met all of the Goddesses ! They are classy, funny, beautiful and very sweet. And I treasure all of my signed books from them.
I’ve met Leontyne Price, Placido Domingo, Elly Ameling. Zubin Mehta. Sang an opera by Dimitri Shostakovich under the direction of his son who was conductor with the New Orleans Symphony – a singular honor and a great experience as I understood what he was saying when he yelled or muttered in Russian. Didn’t tell him for several weeks.
Met Steven Seagal at a karate tournament when I was an undergrad. Very nice. Very tall!
Met Leonard Nimoy at a Star Trek convention. I was in high school and pretty tongue-tied. Still have that autograph too!
Met Bart Starr on several occasions as my Dad worked as a mechanic for a car dealership Bart owned. Nice guy!
evlqn on 29 Dec 2009 at 7:32 pm #
I know Armin Shimerman (Quark), met Ron Perlman -nice man.
We lived in Leonard Nimoy’s mom’s house for a while. Eartha Kitt’s daughter lived across the street.
cail on 29 Dec 2009 at 7:59 pm #
Fresh, I’ve met Colbert once or twice. He’s very nice and polite.
Lisa G on 29 Dec 2009 at 8:46 pm #
The celebs I have seen are:
Kenny Loggins (got a great picture taken with him), Joe Montana (I do have his autograph), Marcus Allen, The late Derek Thomas (all Kansas City Chiefs), George Brett (authograph and a kiss), Olympic Weightlifters Team- both male and female teams- Web Barnett, Pete Kelly, Mark Henry, Olympic speed skater Apollo Ono, 2004 Olympic Gymnastic Male team, Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, The band-Journey, George Strait. I was outside the Tony Awards one year and saw so many actors and actresses. When I was young I ran into literally Loretta Lynn. I know there are more but I am so brain-dead from the Holidays.
Sabrina Jeffries on 29 Dec 2009 at 9:12 pm #
Wow, y’all have met quite a number of celebrities! I’m impressed!
Louisa, I can’t believe you sang for Pavarotti! Weren’t you nervous? That would make me insanely nervous!
Lisa G, I’d love to meet Taylor Swift and Kenny Loggins. I do love those musicians!
Louisa Cornell on 29 Dec 2009 at 9:42 pm #
Sabrina, I was terrified, but he was very much in teacher mode. It was a master class and several people went before I did. Once I saw that he really was interested in coaching us and how intently he listened and how appreciative an audience he was it was much easier to sing for him. It really was a once in a lifetime experience. It has been over 25 years and I still remember it like it was yesterday.
nancyg on 29 Dec 2009 at 10:42 pm #
Louisa -
Pavarotti, Leontyne Price, Zubin Mehta, Placido Domingo – that’s 2 of the THREE TENORS plus their conductor. WOWZA!! I still play that DVD of their Rome concert *all* the time!!
Kate C on 30 Dec 2009 at 1:24 am #
Well let’s see—
Sci-fi conventions in the early 80’s would be Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Louise Jamison, and other actors in connection with Dr. Who from the BBC.
Dance world: Rudolf Nureyev, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Gelsey Kirkland, Cynthia Gregory, Marco Mercados (I think that’s his last name, it was in 1977 and he played the wicked fairy in Sleeping Beauty to my mouse), Anthony Dowell, and many many more. Good heavens I could be here forever trying to remember. Currently performing dancers included Christopher Ruud and Christinia Bennett Ruud, Maggie Wright (retired), Chris Sellars, John Frazer, and more. Gordon Schmidt, current Ballet Director of Grand Rapids Ballet Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, took classes with me or I should say I took classes with him since he is older.
I meet and have a signed autograph from Joe Namath (it’s in the top drawer of the desk I am sitting at). I meet Anne Perry (she wasn’t very nice, I’m sorry to say) and Sara Paretsky (who was). Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues in a book store at Caesar’s Palace in Vegas even talked to him and everything. Oh and I stood in line for like 2 hours when I was 8 months pregnant for an autograph on his 1996 album.
evlqn on 30 Dec 2009 at 3:11 am #
I got stiff armed by Doug Kershaw at the Golden Nuggett in Vegas many moons ago. We were in line for the the restaurant when this little blonde haired blue eyed boy came out crying, I just happened to have one much like him that I had left in LA about 3 hours before. My mom mode kicked in and I bent down to comfort him just as D.K. came rushing out and pushed me out of the way. Seems blondie belonged to him and he “lost” daddy. I don’t think he ever realized what he had done, he was so focused on getting to his child. Of course we were in Vegas with our attorney,and friend, who immediately wanted to sue everyone. Personally I wasn’t even offended let alone hurt and I really enjoyed Kershaw’s show later that night.
Archer on 30 Dec 2009 at 3:23 pm #
That book is really hard to find and expensive when you do so can’t blame a girl for trying
Louisa on 02 Jan 2010 at 4:17 am #
Sabrina, I live in Australia so true celebs are few and far between but I did go to the Twilight dvd release and it was amazing! Didn’t get an autograph but Kellan Lutz (who came down under with Edi Gathegi) was so charasmatic…I thought I was too mature to yell and jump…at the end of the night I had lost 10 kilograms! And my voice went husky from all the screaming. LOL Can’t blame me though, that boy is FINE!
Love your books Sabrina! They have been my guilty pleasure for 6 years!
Sabrina Jeffries on 02 Jan 2010 at 8:24 am #
Thanks, Louisa! Glad you enjoy them!
And it sounds like you had a good time at that release party.