Jodie Whittaker Fan Expo Dallas 2024

This went faster than I wanted. I was walking up and trying to sort through my backpack and pick the correct pen when I was actually in front of Jodie Whittaker. I was not well organized.

I handed over the pen and photo. She signed and handed it back. I said my standard line: Welcome to Dallas.  She thanked me and asked where I was from. I said, “The last 30 years was Dallas. But I was born in Jersey.”

Her eyes lit up and a smile was on her face as she repeated the word: Jersey.

This is when the addled mind can still go into overdrive. I accessed the situation in a blink of an eye. My first thought was she had friends from Jersey and we would swap names of towns to see if we had anything in common. My second thought was, yes, she has friends from Jersey but on the OTHER side of the Atlantic.  I quickly amended my comment to say, New Jersey. Not the island of. Then we both uncomfortably chuckled. I’m sure she had passing thoughts of Damn Colonials.

It was a few minutes after I walked away, I realized she added 2 hearts to her signature.  I love that. It is SO Dr Who.

AH

Mandip Gil DragonCon 2023

Originally both Mandip Gil and Jodie Whittaker were scheduled to attend. Jodie needed to cancel. I’ll see her some other time. I’m still happy I was able to see Mandip. As with everyone on Dr Who, she was friendly and personable.

I printed this photo. I liked that she was trying to do something and not just waiting for the Doctor to solve something.  I know, it; not working out as expected but she was trying.

She told me she really hurt her finger in that scene. It was twisted in the handle and filming was stopped briefly. Her finger still gives her some pain now and then. 

Maybe not interesting of a factoid (does anyone say 'factoid' anymore?) but I shared. Use it as you wish.

AH

Christopher Eccleston Fan Expo Dallas Sept 2021

The guest that blew my ‘cool button’ and made me fanboy out was Christopher Eccleston. I really really really enjoy Dr Who. I watched it since I was a teen in Jersey, when it was only on PBS. I’m old School and my Fav is Tom Baker. For the new stuff Christopher is up there with David Tennent.

I think Christopher was the perfect actor for the relaunch. He was quirky and serious and funny and mysterious; everything that you want your doctor to be.

I was really happy he added the quote I asked for: Its telephone box from the 1950’s. It’s disguise.

This was my favorite quest and autograph from the convention.

AH

Mark Sheppard Fan Expo Dallas 2019

This is another occasion where I gotten more than one autograph from the same actor. A long time ago at SDCC, I got Mark Sheppard to sign a photo from Firefly.

That was before he dove into two very large fandoms and everyone wanted him: Dr Who and Supernatural.

He was in the Sails Pavilion and I don’t recall anyone in his line. I walked up. I told him I really liked Firefly and it was a shame it was cancelled. At the time, Firefly was still under most people's radar.

At Fan Expo, my friend from El Paso asked if I could do his nephew a favor and get a photo signed by Mark. Not an issue. He wanted something from Supernatural.  Since I was in line already, I choose a photo from Dr Who for myself.

Here are both photos. His signature hasn’t change much over the last 15 years.

AH

Carole Ann Ford and William Russell Gallifrey One

I was very excited to see that both Carole Ann Ford and William Russell were attending this year’s Gallifrey One. They worked with the first Doctor and that was over 50 years ago.

Luckily, I got to see the panel with them together and they charmed the crowd with their anecdotes.  The panel’s MC did a good job of asking questions, follow up questions, and then getting out of the actors’ way as they answered. For the most part, the stories were well polished as they have told them time and again over the decades. While some tales may be apocryphal, they held the audience in their hands as they talked.

When it was time for their signing, there was a long line; which I loved seeing. I worry that the current crop of Whovians have no idea about the history of the show.  I see this with Star Trek. The Next Gen crowd dismisses anything prior to Picard.

I must admit to being my own enemy.  When Carole and William were signing, I goofed. I got a photo signed by Carole for myself.  Then I got her and William to sign a duel photo for a friend. I forgot to get a photo of William signed for myself.  When I realized my gaff, it was too late to get back in line. I had to wait for the next day to start again. It all worked out and I was a happy camper.

AH

Katy Manning Gallifrey One

Katy Manning was one of the BIG reasons I wanted to go to Gallifrey One this year. She was from the original series and worked with the 3rd Doctor. The chances of getting her again were probably very slim.

She was very funny in the panels she attended. She currently is doing big finish audio plays and playing her character of Jo Grant from the TV show.  She is ‘old school’ and calls everyone ‘darling’. It’s so British.

While in line, I saw that she was sitting to sign the photos and then popping up to hug the fan. For me, I actually got two hugs and two darlings. She was tireless. She has more energy than I do. She had stories to share with everyone. She seemed to really enjoy being there. She shared that she had a relative in Kentucky and showed off her Kentuckian accent.

I was really happy to get this chance to see her.

AH

Gallifrey One Caitlin Blackwood – young Amy Pond

A last minute addition/substitution was Caitlin Blackwood. I was happy to see her. If I remember correctly,  she was replacing someone I had already seen at another show.

She was quiet and looking at her phone. When I approached, she smiled and put the phone away. Being barely 18 years old, I’m sure it’s odd for old guys like me to ask for an autograph. She signed and added the ‘fish fingers and custard’ on her own.

AH

Gallifrey One Lisa Greenwood and Sophie Hopkins

While attending the panels (yeah, I actually spent some time sitting in panels and enjoying the convention), I was amazed how many of the Dr Who alumni are doing Big Finish audio shows.  While not the same as being on the telly, it’s something they seem to really enjoy as they get a chance for their characters to be fleshed out.  They also have the opportunity to work with actors and characters that that span the 55 years of Who-dom.

Both Sophie Hopkins and Lisa Greenwood are working with Big Finish.

Sophie was nice and friendly. She regretted 'Class' not being renewed. She was happy the show was continuing on Big finish.  She mentioned enjoying her trip to LA and had thoughts about moving there.

While Lisa Greenwood might not have been born when Colin Baker starred as the 6^th Doctor, she currently plays ‘Flip’, the 6th's Dr Companion,  with Colin on the Big Finish audio plays.  Friendly and funny, it was interesting to see her interact with the ‘old timers’.  While she was signing, I mentioned my wife knew her from Call the Midwife, her face lit up.

AH

Gallifrey One and Michael Jayston, Rosie Jane, and Jon Davey

While at Gallifrey One in LA, I wanted to pick up as many autographs as possible. I wasn’t sure if I’d ever be back and some of these actors were older and traveling would be more difficult. This might be my last chance.

When Michael Jayston started signing, there was a small line. Other people had the same thoughts as me.  He was a memorable Time Lord during the Colin Bakers series.  Some fans were getting Dr Who encyclopedias signed.  A great project for those with the patience.

Next was Rosie Jane. She was much younger and traveling was not difficult for her.  She was enjoying her trip to 'The States'. She was also enjoying the weather (cool and wet) but mentioned that seemed to cause lots of complaints from the locals. She was surprised by the flooding LA was getting in the hills. In fact, the flooding delayed John Barrowman arrival as he had washed out roads to deal with.

Jon Davey has done a lot of Dr Who with his face hidden.  He has been a Cyberman and Dalek and even been on the Sara Jane Adventures. He was friendly and willing to chat. I caught him just as he was starting his lunch so I quickly got my signature and gave him his time to eat.

AH

Rusty Goffe and Mickey Lewis Gallifrey One 2019

I did a show I haven’t done before: Gallifrey One. It’s in Los Angeles, CA. I have heard about this show for years. It’s a Dr Who convention and it brings in a nice selection of guests.  This is the ‘big’ Dr Who convention in the US. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew it wasn’t SDCC big but I expected crowds and lines. I also knew it should be less physically demanding than San Diego. I was expecting to actually enjoy the event as it progressed and not just keeping my head above water.

This show was smaller than I expected. It might be a little larger than WorldCon. It’s very fan friendly. Considering it’s size, the show does bring in some ‘big’ names. I’m sure these celebs would make more at a larger show but they actually seem to want to be there. I imagine they actually enjoy the fandom. The show must treat them well as LA is a very long way from the UK where a majority of the actors live.

Since I haven’t been to this show before I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I created a laundry list of people I wanted and figured I would attempt to get as many signatures as possible. I had three days to get autographs and sit in panels.  Yes, I said panels. At SDCC I might see 2 panels a year. It would be nice to sit and take a load off.

The first 2 autos I got were Rusty Goffe and Mickey Lewis.

Rusty has been in a Dr Who episode, and also Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Willy Wonka (the original). He had a nice selection of photos. He was friendly and willing to chat.

Mickey was admittedly jet-lagged. He only landed a few hours before we met. He mentioned there were a lot of Lewis’s at this show.  I didn’t even put it together that his last name was my first name. He teasingly asked when I landed. Touché!

AH

Madness Games and Comics Plano Jan 2018

There is a neat comic book store I have visited a few times. It is a large store; they do gaming; they have lots of genre merchandise; and they sell comic books. Or as the kids say: books. (Side bar: that irritates the hell out of me.  It ain’t a book.)

 Every now and then, they have some people in the store for autographs.  I must admit, the autographs are the primary reason I visit them. Usually the guests are from the Star Wars universe.  This signing was no exception.

On this trip, I picked up two autographs.  Brian Herring, who created and controlled BB-8 from the recent Star Wars trilogy. He is a pleasant fellow and very open to chatting. He enjoys sharing with the fans anecdotes from the set, this was a good opportunity to get him when his lines wasn’t too long.

The other signature was Paul Kasey. He was also in Star Wars as a costumed character.  However, I choose a photo from Dr Who. He was Ood Sigma.  I find the Ood an interesting race and their story while explored, probably has more than can be said. 

As this signing I met a few fellow hounds. After we got our ‘fixes’, we went out to eat and chatted the night away.

AH

Mark Strickson WhoFest 2017

It was a busy weekend with Texas Frightmare Weekend, Free Comicbook Day, and WhoFest. I have attended WhoFest in the past. It’s a nice con but there is not much there for me except for a few autographs.  This year, it seemed even smaller. I do wonder what it will be like next year.

Mark Strickson is old school Dr Who. Not my favorite companion and he didn’t travel with my favorite Doctor but he is part of the Whoverse I grew up with. 

He was a nice guy.  Since he didn’t have a line, he chatted with the two guys in front of me about the hidden British politics of an episode he was in.  This is background that is lost on most Americans. Besides not knowing the context, there is a delay when the episode is aired in the US. This makes it hard to see the importance in a speech or specific scene. It was interesting insight.

AH

Catherine Tate Dallas Fan Expo 2017

Donna Noble, Catherine Tate made it Stateside and appeared at Fan Expo Dallas.  Being a Dr Who fan I had to add her to my collection.

She was nice and friendly. She signed my photo. I also I brought for a friend. His photo was of her and David Tennent. My friend had a post it note on the photo explaining where to add the signature and the color pen.  I told him this one was a friend. She told me I was a good friend.  I smiled. I added I had also got him David Tennent’s auto when he was in San Antonio. She paused and said I was a very good friend.  Now I laughed.

Then she signed and I was on my way.

AH

Louise Jameson – Chicago Tardis 2016

One of my SDCC buddies made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.  He got Louise Jameson’s autograph at the most recent Dr Who convention in Chicago.   The character Leela is one of my favorite companions in Dr Who. She and K-9 were an interesting counterweight to Tom Baker’s portrayal of the Doctor.

While I prefer getting my signatures in person, I know the old school Dr Who actors don’t always make it down my way.  I also know the way ‘the fates’ work. Since I now have her autograph, ‘the fates’ will bring her down here for a show within the next year.  I say ‘fah’ to the fates. I accept that she will be here. I will dutifully get in line to have her sign something for me in person.

I also say ‘fah’ to the fates because I knew if I didn’t accept the kind offer from my friend, she would never come here. Then I wouldn’t have a single signature, let alone two.

AH

David Tennant – I don’t want to go… ACCC 2016

I traveled to San Antonio just for David Tennant.  The other guests I acquired were gravy.  I have really enjoyed the relaunch of Dr Who. By far, David Tennant is my favorite Doctor (Tom Baker is in a whole other category so I’m omitting him for this conversation.).

I had never been to an Alamo City ComicCon before and I heard they over sell their VIPs badges.  The overselling means the general admission fan (steerage) might not get a chance to get an autograph. I accept that. I know that risk going into the process. I try to mitigate by arriving early and investing more time standing in line and skipping sleep.

Once the doors opened at Alamo City, I got in the non-VIP line for David.  I was about 50 people back in that line. The VIP line was long. After 30 minutes, and seeing the VIP line continue to grow, the convention people warned us we might not get autographs.  They explained the schedule for David.  He had 2 hours of signing. Then photo ops. Then I think a panel. More photos ops. Then done for the day.  David was only scheduled to appear on Saturday.

Considering I didn’t have much sleep and didn’t eat very well, I had some heart burn. I waited. I watched the VIP line continue to grow.

David arrived about 15 minutes early. Yeah!  The line started to move.  Well, the VIP line.  An hour passed and a lot of people were pushed through the lines.  Then the common unwashed line moved to the end of the VIP line.  There were still lots of people in front of me.

Once I got to the point where I could clearly see David smile and hand back photos, I thought I was safe. There was about 20 minutes before he needed to leave and about 50 people in front of me. That is when more VIPS started showing up. Either they were coming back for a second helping or they were busy somewhere else.

This is always confusing for the fans and staff. The situation is always tense. Often heated words are exchanged. As the ‘new’ VIP line grew, they were led in front of us. My progress stalled but the clock continued to tick.  Once the new batch of VIPs were processed, the commoners inched closer as the countdown clock inched down to zero.

Finally I got to the table.  I was asked if I wanted my photo personalized. I said no but wanted a quote added. The first handler was confused and passed me forward.  The next handler said they could add the quote (which I had printed out) but he didn’t take the quote when I gave him my photo. Rushed, David looked up and smiled.  We exchanged about 6 words. He signed my photo and handed it back to me.  The handler remembering I wanted the quote told David he forgot to add it.  David smiled and said okay. We know David didn’t’ forget, he didn't know about it.  He just went with the flow. I handed over the quote.  David read it. Looked at the photo again and added the quote.  David mentioned ‘It fits’.

As I left, with a few minutes before zero on the countdown clock, I noticed 100’s of people still in line. My heartburn eased.

As the day progressed, David did make a second signing appearance.  A roar rocked the convention center as he sat at the signing table.  Hopefully he was able to see most of those people.

AH

Matt Smith Wizard World Austin 2016

It has been frustrating to see Matt Smith listed all over the country and never at a Texas show. When I saw him announced in Austin, I had to go.

I was worried about Wizard World (WW) overselling tickets and not being able to get through the line in time before Matt had to leave.  Since a drive to Austin ranges from 3 hours to 8 hours on any given day, I drove down the night before.

At the crack of dawn I got up and waited for WW to open their doors. Once inside, I found out that people like me, non-VIP badge holders, aka ‘steerage’, weren’t going to queue up until 2PM.  Okay, now I know. I had some time to kill.

When it was time for the great unwashed to get in line, I must admit the line moved fairly fast. Matt was very friendly and tried to chat with everyone. He accepted gifts from fans and told them he would look at it after he was done.

I found a photo I liked online. While I didn’t want the photo personalized, I did want the quote added. Again, I was surprised they were allowing personalization. Often, with a big name guest, the lines are too long and the signing is an assembly line of ‘just the signature’.

Matt took my photo and read the quote. He smiled. I mentioned I thought the photo was apropos as he was in Texas. Before he stared signing he told me he remembered that day the photo was shot. It was a good day. 

As I walked away with his autograph, it was a good day for me too.

AH

Yee Jee Tso and Daphne Ashbrook Geekinomicon Sept 2016

One of the reasons I went to OKC for Geekinomicon was this show had two companions from the Dr Who movie made in 1996. While I did not like the movie and constantly amazed it is considered canon, it is Dr Who and actors from the show are ‘rare’ in the US. I did the quotes around ‘rare’ because more and more of them as finding their way to the States.

Yee Jee Tso and Daphne Ashbrook were both friendly.  It was good to see them and to add them t my collection.

AH

Arthur Darvill Fan Expo Dallas 2016

The last ‘Who’ autograph I picked at this convention was Arthur Darvill.  He is currently in a new series Legends of Tomorrow but for me, he is forever Rory.  He was another nice friendly guy. 
This convention was a wealth of opportunities for a Whovian.

AH

Michelle Gomez Fan Expo Dallas 2016

Yes, yet another Dr Who autograph.  Michelle Gomez who is the current incarnation of ‘The Master’ was signing at this Dallas show.

As I stepped up, I welcomed her to Dallas. She was about to say something and then paused. She said that was one of the nicest things she heard that day. Confused, I wanted to know more about that statement.  It seemed contrary to the good time she was having with her fans.

Was my comment a ‘bit Brit’ in nature?  Did no one welcome her to the Great State of Texas before me? Or was this her attempt to make me feel special?

Our exchange was odd.  My manners barely won over my curiosity. I did not ask for more detail.

As she signed, she held up her paint pen, she said it was her favorite as it was Tardis Blue. I smiled.

I thanked her and left but still wondered about her comment.

AH

Jenna Coleman – Fan Expo Dallas 2016

Another long line was Jenna Coleman’s. Like Peter Capaldi, after the Dr Who panel, they started processing people quicker.

After a few canceled shows, it was great to see her in person. She was friendly.  I remember she asked me something and while I started to answer, I was led away.  It happens. They were busy and trying to get everyone an autograph.  I won’t even say I was annoyed.  I get it.  However, I liked the look of frustration on her face.  I have no idea what we were saying; I just remember she was interested in the response.

AH