Gates McFadden – Dallas ComicCon 2013

Gates McFadden is one of the few Star Trek Next Generation cast members I still needed.

As I was waiting, I bumped into a fellow hound. We chatted as we moved through the line. It’s always nice to talk to someone you know.

As I got to the table I picked this photo. At the time I didn’t realize how pixelated it was. If fact, Gates commented how they seemed to have copied a ‘dusty’ version of the photo.  Oh well. My bad for not bringing something I preferred.

She was friendly and she has a great smile. Which she showed me when I complimented her on how beautiful she looked with her glasses.  As I said it, I was slightly embarrassed. I tried to say something to show I realized I might have said too much.  She put me at ease with a comment about how nice to hear I thought she looked beauty at her age.

Still slightly embarrassed I thanked her and left.

AH

Kevin Conroy – Dallas ComicCon 2013

This is another example of an autograph I got because I know the name more than I know the work. Fanboys  go gaga over him because the Batman Animated series. Kevin Conroy does the Bruce Wayne/Batman voice.

In fact, this was one of the last autographs I got at Dallas ComicCon and forgot to remove it from my bag.  The next weekend I was in Houston at ComicPalooza and I pulled out the photo and 2 guys saw it and excited asked where he was. When I explained it was from another show last week, they could have been the poser fanboys for crestfallen.

Not only was Kevin nice and friendly to the fans, he was also very reasonably priced. It seems it’s more of a way to meet and greet than just a gig.  It’s nice to see.

 

AH

 

Richard Dean Anderson – Dallas ComicCon 2013

I was extremely excited to see Richard Dean Anderson’s name added to the Dallas ComicCon guest list. While I never watched MacGyver, I did watch Stargate SG1 when it started on Showtime.  It was one of the few good sci fi shows on TV at the time and it was a stop down for me when it aired.

Richard Dean Anderson seemed to always do conventions I didn’t attend and I was never able to get his autograph at SDCC.  I felt this was a nice coup by Dallas ComicCon.

I went to Dallas ComicCon Friday night after work. The crowds were light and I was able to work through a lot of people on my want list.  But every time I passed his the table, he was gone; either a break or photo ops or whatnot.

Near the end of the night, I just decided to wait. The line wasn’t long and he returned.  The wait was still long as he just chatted with everyone.  If you don’t know, much like Star Trek or Star Wars, Stargate has a big following of fans that join fan groups and dress up. It’s very personal to them and they attend shows together and do community service activities.  It’s a big part of their lives.

Many of these people were in line and the wanted/needed to make a connection with their Colonel.   So the line moved slowly. It seemed that he really wanted to know what they had to say and he didn’t mind listening to their tales.

When I got to the front I really didn’t have much to say.  I just asked if he’d been to Dallas before. I really don’t remember his answer.  He mentioned he was enjoying himself and that people were very friendly down here. Then he asked if that was a southern thing or a Dallas thing.  I had to tell him I was from Jersey originally but I think that is a Texas thing. Then he asked how I got done here.  I gave a 2 sentence answer only because I was embarrassed he seemed so interested. I’m sure we could have talked Stargate or living in Dallas or anything I wanted; which left me with a nice warm fuzzy.

He took my photo; looked for the right Sharpie, gave a beautiful signature, thanked me for coming out, and then shook my hand.  Yes, he impressed me.  It’s always nice to get a good vibe from someone that you were enjoyed watching over the years.

AH

Danny Trejo Texas Frightmare Weekend 2013

Danny Trejo was the headliner at this years’ Texas Frightmare.  While I was going to this show anyway, this was the big name for me too. 

For years I have seen Danny as a thug speaking with a heavy Mexican accent playing stereotypical parts. Then I saw him in Spy Kids. (Yea, you heard me!  I said it. I watched Spy kids.  I’ve seen the next 3 in the series too. So there!)  And all of the sudden I saw him differently.  I liked him.

Then you learn something about the guy.  He was in prison. He was an addict. He overcame that. He helps other to overcome that too.  Wow, very impressive. How can you not like someone like that?

The line was long for his autograph. He had 2 tables of photos.  The tables were filled with photos of his movie ‘Machete’ or other horror movies.  It was 2 tables of death and destruction and blood but I heard a photo whisper to me. ‘Here, over here.  I’m the photo you want!’  

On the furthest corner of the furthest table was a stack of photos.  Even with my long reach, I couldn’t stretch far enough to pick one up.  As I looked over, the whisper was louder, ‘Yes, Yes! At least, you heard! I’m saved!’

I asked the girl behind the table if that stack was from Spy Kids. She got up and looked.  She nodded yes. I asked her to give me one of those.  The photos cried with happiness.  It was rescued from the horrors of the other photos. It was no longer exiled.  It was safe.

When I got to the front of the line, Danny signed my photo. It was so out of place. He turned to me and said that because of that movie he’s heard ‘Spy Kids’ said in a dozen languages.  People recognize him in that movie and point at him.

Later that night my friend went through the line to get a photo. So here’s the photo of them.

 

AH

George The Animal Steele Texas Frightmare Weekend 2013

No, I’m not into wrestling.  I do, however, really enjoy the movie Ed Wood.  The movie is insane and supposedly it captures the insanity of Ed Wood.  Much like I got Lisa Marie last year, I needed to get George ‘The Animal’ Steele this year.

He was a thoroughly charming man.  While I had nothing to talk to him about, I found myself chatting for 10 minutes.  Later when I was passing by we would nod and exchange a few more words.  He stopped me a couple of times to help take photos of him and another fan.  

He talked wrestling; growing up; how he was sick on the set and recovering; getting a stadium named after him.  He really was interesting.  I enjoy the conversation and regret I didn’t carry my side better.  His conversations were not exclusive. They were inclusive of anyone that wanted to listen.  

I’m really glad I stopped by his table. I’m really glad I stayed and listened.

AH

Gary Busey and Tom Skerritt Texas Frightmare Weekend 2013

For me and my fellow hounds, Gary Busey and Tom Skerritt were less than impression. The lines went fast and no interaction.

My out of town friends had a totally different experience.

They talked about Buddy Holly with Gary Busey.  As they explained how the movie was important to their dad, he opened up and engaged. They talked for several minutes and he seemed thoroughly to enjoy their company.

Tom Skerrit was the same. As they discussed Tom’s desire  to learn the ‘business’ when he was on the set of Alien he was very open and frank with them.

I took this as a reminder to know a little more about an actor then just his name and a few movies they were in. My out of town friends schooled me in the art of getting autographs.  What they got out of the encounter was more personal and memorable than what I got.  Too often at shows, the focus narrows to quantity instead of quality.

 

As often as I preach embracing the inner cow, I need to embrace my inner humanist.  I need to think about who I’m facing. For Busey I should have mentioned how the wife and I love the movie Rookie of the Year. Yes, it’s a kid’s movie but it’s fun and entertaining. The point being, the encounter should be more than a sales transaction.

AH

Clu Gulager Texas Frightmare Weekend 2013

I actually got both John Gulager (son) and Clu Gulager’s autographs.  I talked to John for a few minutes about Feast. When I first saw that movie I was surprised how much I enjoyed it.

Then I moved over to the table for Clu; who had his right hand in a cast.  So he signed the photo with his left hand and that’s explains the child like scribble. 

He’s another actor that you have seen everywhere and until you really look over his resume you don’t realize how often you have seen him.    

 

AH

 

Chandler Riggs Texas Frightmare Weekend 2013

He’s a kid. Do you really want the autograph?  His signature will change more over the years than most celebs.  On the other side of the coin, Walking Dead seems to have the legs to run for many more years and he’ll probably do fewer and fewer shows. Once his social life starts, the thrill of the doing the convention circuit will fade.

So I did it. I stepped up to Chandler Riggs and got the signature.  Lots of fans (young girls) just wanted to say ‘hi’.  He wore a t-shirt wanting us to ask him about his zombie survival plan.  He seemed much like his character in the show. He was friendly but quiet and not very animated.

After I left the table, then I thought about asking him about his plan.  Some other time.

 AH

Patricia Quinn Texas Frightmare Weekend 2013

Everyone knows Rocky Horror Picture Show. I was exposed to that bit of chaos while in high school by my best friend.  It was after the 4^th or 5^th viewing (and the audience participation) that I figured out I actually liked the movie and not just enjoying the crowds shouting things, or throwing things, or shadow casting/acting.

I met Patricia Quinn the night before I got her autograph at Texas Frighmare. I was busy minding my own business when I noticed her. She was hard to miss with her leather outfit.  A fan with a very nice camera stopped her to have her pose for a photo.  She willingly obliged but she wanted fan in the photo too.

Before I knew it, a heavily accent feminine voice ask me for a favor. I turned and she had already taken the camera out the fans hand and handed it to me. Then she asked him where he wanted her.  He pointed to a wall; she quickly vetoed that as it looked like an ‘advert’.

Then I vaguely remember something about like ‘How ‘bout ‘ere love?’ the fan just nodded. He knew he really had no control over the situation. He was just a passenger in this motor-car.

I took the camera and snapped a couple of quick photos.  I was thanked and they moved on their way.

The next morning I stood in a short line and got her to sign. Again she was hard to nice and wearing leather. She had the same energy and presence as the night before. 

AH

Nick Castle Texas Frightmare Weekend 2013

I’ll admit Nick Castle was not on my radar. I really didn’t recognize the name and people kept referring to Halloween. The name still didn’t ring a bell.

After the show on Friday night, my friends were talking about him and told me he directed The Last Starfighter.  That’s movie I like.   Then I saw he wrote and directed Tap. Another movie I really like and then the decision was made.

The next day I found his table and got the autograph. I picked out the black and white.  He mentioned that was when he had hair and thought he would never lose it.  I laughed as I’m thinning too and can’t believe that’s happening to me either.

AH

Dan Haggerty Texas Frightmare Weekend 2013

The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams was ‘must see’ TV for my sister and me.  So how could I pass up on Dan Haggerty?

You can’t see it very well but beside a great looking signature, Dan included a bear paw print between his name and the character name. I didn’t realize what he was doing at the time. Once the paint dried I could see it. A nice touch.

This one of those times you see the crap that celebrities go through.  In front of me was an older lady. She looked older than me but I think she was much younger.  It looked like she had a hard life and she also had that smoker’s voice and laugh. White trash comes to mind based on her behavior.

She asked for an autograph.  In the middle of the process her kids came by.  The group got distracted and then asked Dan where another actor sat.  I thought this slightly tacky. Dan pointed and smiled as he told them where they can find the other celebrity.  The daughter then asked mom why she was here. The tone openly implied this line was a waste of time and money.

They were about to leave and Dan reminded them to pick up the autograph.  Mom was 3 or 4 steps away from the table when she turned around and asked for a photo. The daughter gave a sigh of frustration.  A camera was fished out of a back pocket.  Dan invited the lady around the table to sit next him.  The daughter directed mom to lean in closer. Mom replied that she knew what to do with a man.   Then she added that this was a man she wanted to do it with.

During the whole thing Dan was pleasant.  I know I would have shown my frustration.  Maybe it was just acting on his part. Maybe he was used to the behavior. Either way, I thought he was classy.

AH

Kitty Korvette Texas Frightmare Weekend 2013

Okay, okay, I’ll admit it. I got this because I thought she looked sexy.

But I did actually know who she was before I saw her in a corset and fishnets.   She is the Next Elvira.  Yes, I did watch that TV contest/reality show.  While I was not engaged intellectually, I wasn’t bored either.

Kitty Korvette was the winner.

She had photos and calendars at her table.  She wasn’t there to sell autographs though. Her goal was to promote her ‘purr fumes’.  

When I asked for an autograph, she willingly did so; for the shocking low price of $7.  Seriously surprised, I asked if I heard it right. I told her that was too low. Unphased she told me for $20 she’s throw in a calendar too.  Okay sure. I wasn’t going to argue with a scantily clad woman.

She signed; I paid.

 We chatted about Elvira and the Next Elvira show.  I hope she was impressed I really knew who she was and not just some booth babe.  I left before I overstayed my welcome.

AH

Jon Bernthal Texas Frightmare Weekend 2013

This simple autograph took me 2 days to get.  A regular odyssey.  I admit, I exaggerate; just so I don’t insult the people that read Homer…

Being a Walking Dead fan, I loved to hate the character Shane that Jon Bernthal played.  He was high on my want list.  Every time I passed his line, it never shortened.  Lines are a constant balancing act. Do you go for the low hanging fruit (short lines) and get a lot done and hope the long line shortens. Or knock off the long lines first and possibly run out for time and not get as much accomplished.

When I finally bit the bullet and queued, the line seemed to have shrunk.  As the time slowly passed, the line didn’t move much. It seemed most of the progress made came from others giving up and leaving the line.

After 2 hours I rounded a corner and saw a fellow hound. He told me he was in line for over 4 hours.  Ugh and double ugh.  My wife had joined me which was great as we could chat and play words with friends and the like.  At the 2 ½ hour mark (which was fairly close to closing time for the convention) our friends told us they were ready to leave.  Since it’s had been a long day, we decided to leave too.

 The next morning I got up early and went to the show before it opened.  I got in line. There were still a lot of people in front of me.  Another hound found me and we chatted for another 2 hours.  It does help the time go by to have company.  Just when we were about to turn the final corner, the line was told Jon needed to leave to do photo ops.

The wind was taken from our sails. The end was in sight but delayed. We figured at least an hour more of wait time. I stood while others sat on the floor.  For me, sitting is tough as it’s hard to stand again. I finally gave up and gave my body a rest.  As is often the case, just as I decide to sit on the floor and relax, we need to get up. Not that many people had photo ops. Which was nice for us.

This time, the line moved fast.  I barely got to table and my money out before he signed.  He posed with me.  Something I usually skip as I’m not that photogenic. This time I figured what the hell.

So here’s the autograph and the photo. I look like such the dork.

 

AH

Bruce Davison Texas Frightmare Weekend 2013

Bruce Davison was also at Texas Frightmare. He’s one of those actors you immediately recognize but might take a few moments to place.  He’s been on ton of TV shows and you have seen him in more places than you can remember.

I wasn’t expecting him at this show.  He was there to help promote the movie Lords of Salem.  Since he was there I stopped and picked up this photo.  He was friendly and actually wanted to chat.   I wanted to chat back. The one role I wanted to talk about escaped my mind…until now: Kingdom Hospital.  I really enjoyed that show.

You can’t (although many people do) ask the actor for their resume or look them up on IMDB while at their table.  So we never talked about this movie/miniseries.  Maybe next time.

 

AH

Steve Railsback Texas Frightmare Weekend 2013

Texas Frightmare Weekend is a great show and brings in a lot of interesting guests.  I spent way more money than I should have. It’s nice to splurge now and then.

Most people were excited to see Steve Railsback because of the movies Helter Skelter and Ed Gein. I know him from The Stunt Man and Lifeforce.  Lifeforce is one of those rare books made into movies that worked for me. I enjoyed both the book and movie greatly.

He had some very nice photos at his table but not from either of the movies I liked.  I chose this black and white from Lifeforce and the signature didn’t show very cleanly.

While my meeting with him was uneventful, my friends talked with him for a very long time.  They hit on a topic that Steve was very passionate about. His conversation was very animated.  As I moved on and checked back on my friends, I found the conversation still going and Steve still very animated.

While my encounter was pedestrian, theirs was extraordinary.  That’s the nice thing about going to shows with friends as you experience different people in different ways.

 AH

Jim Beaver USA Film Festival 2013

The USA Film Festival also brought Jim Beaver to town.  It seemed natural for him to attend as he grew up in the Metroplex.  All Supernatural fans love him and know him as Bobby Singer.  He’s even gotten my wife to say ‘idjets’ once or twice.

Several of us waited for Jim Beaver to arrive.  We never saw him. We wondered if he just missed him as he wasn’t wearing his baseball cap. He waited until after the movie screening.  We anxiously scanned every face.

Finally someone saw him and as he left the theater. He turned right instead of walking forward to the stairs. He wasn’t waiting for a car to pull up. Very odd, as most actors have a driver.  He was going to take the light rail home or he parked his car with the common folks. This was probably why we missed him arriving. We never looked toward the other parking lot.

We hustled to catch up.  He stopped.  He looked very surprised anyone wanted his autograph. He took his time to sign.  He did a flourish with his hand before he signed each photo; much like a batter or golfer taking a practice swing.  He signed and posed for a few photos.

I was the last. I thanked him and I also mentioned how happy I was to see him in another episode of Supernatural.  Since he was killed off the previous season, it was unexpected.  I asked if he was going to show up in other episodes and said ‘you never know’.

AH

Stephen Tobolowsky USA Film Festival 2013

Stephen Tobolowshy has played a lot of character parts over the years and when I saw he was also appearing at the USA Film Festival, I was excited.

He was scheduled for Saturday night. I got there a little later than I hoped and my fellow hounds told me he already entered the building. They also told me he was great and I should just go in the theater and track him down.   I was hesitant at doing this.  For me, it’s a little too stalker-ish.  I don’t mind waiting all night outside of the theater but heading inside and tracking down someone was different.  Yes, it’s a fine line.

 Once he’s inside, what are the chances he’ll come out again?  Since I was told no one else had shown up, the chances were good I could catch the rest of the people I wanted as they drove up. I might make this a quick night. With this rationalization in mind, I entered the theater and found him.   

Stephen was a social butterfly. He was talking with everyone and not staying with any group for long.  He looked up and saw me.  It was like he wanted to leave where he was and move on.  He actually came toward me.  Sheepishly I held up my clipboard and photo and asked for a signature.  He smiled and waved me close and quickly signed.

I mentioned how much I was enjoying his character in Californication.  He said they just started filming the new season.  He added that if the first episode is any indication, it was going to be a great season.  I told him I was happy the series was renewed.  I added the last few seasons had ended in a way that I thought the series was cancelled.  He told me that no one ever sure about the next season so they ended the seasons that way on purpose.

We exchanged a few more words and I thanked him.  I didn’t want to over stay my welcome.

As it turned out, he was in and out of the theater all night. He was talking with everyone.  He was stopped a few more times for photos or autographs and he always obliged.

AH

Denise Crosby USA Film Festival Dallas 2013

As I was looking over who might have been at the USA film Festival, I saw Denise Crosby’s name as one of the judges.  I needed her so I found a photo I liked and printed it out.  Since she was a judge, there was no set time to wait for her.  I brought the photo and had it in my backpack…along with a few other photos.  I was hoping I‘d spy her as she was taking a break or leaving.

That was just how it worked too.  As we waited for Amy Acker I noticed Denise.  She walked passed us on the way to the elevator.  My fellow hounds didn’t recognize her so we had a quick debate if that was her or not.  After all, she wasn’t wearing her Starfleet uniform so she didn’t stand out from the crowd as much.  I pulled off my backpack and quickly tried to rifle through the photos I brought.  I don’t find her.

I was the only one with something to sign.  So no one was going to stop her and give me a few more seconds. I felt the flop sweat pour off my face.  I didn’t want to chase her without a photo in hand. By the time she entered the elevator, I still hadn’t found the picture. She left and THEN I found it. Ugh.  Best laid plans and all of that.

So next night I had the photo out and in the ready.  She did come out for a break and I saw her first.  She was talking with some other people so the few hounds that showed up quietly waited.  Someone caught her eye and she turned to us.

She politely signed for each of us. She commented on each item.  She either mentioned how long ago the movie was or how nice of us to remember her very small role.  She chatted and had a few tidbits to bring up about the movie and working on set.

Once she was sure we had our fill she re-entered the theater.  When she left for the night we all waved and thanked her again. She smiled and waved.

AH