I braved the warmth of Burbank today and went out to the Hollywood Collectors Show, a crowded autograph event loaded with famous folks. Let me see if I can quickly run through a list of those I talked with…
In no particular order: Billy West, Marty Krofft, Maurice LaMarche, Jack Riley, Bill Daily, Pat Harrington, Greg Evigan, Jerry Maren, Bob Bergen, Billie Hayes, Anson Williams, Donny Most, Phil LaMarr, Rob Paulsen, Tom Bosley, Edie McClurg, Henry Winkler and I know I'm leaving a couple folks out. Those are just celebs who were there to sell and sign. In the aisles, also wandering around, I talked with Jason Marsden, Chuck McCann, Wally Wingert, Stephen Cox, Dave Shelton, Chad Frye and again, I'm leaving people out. Most (not all) of those in the first group will be there tomorrow if you want to swing by and get a signed photo or some other piece of memorabilia.
The two big themes this show were Happy Days (much of the cast was present) and James Bond. George Lazenby was there, and I guess he qualifies even though he's only done one more film as 007 than I have. Richard Kiel, who was the villain in several, was present. And they had a whole bevy of Bond Girls, some of whom still looked like Bond Girls, even though they last Bonded with Mr. Connery. There was much excitement by some to see Davy Jones of The Monkees…and a lot of folks were stopping by to tell the Futurama cast that someone would have to be brain-dead to think they could do that show with new actors.
A note to the promoters: At one point, I came across a group of your guests and they were discussing how much it might cost to pay Lou Ferrigno (another guest) to go over and deck the guy on the P.A. system. Other than that, everyone seemed to be having a very good time.