Local Actors Spotted #94-95

Two biggies over the past weekend. Biggies for me. First of all, the lovely Ellen Greene. She's currently (for a limited time now, as it's been cancelled) on Pushing Daisies. The other half's a big fan, but I never got super into it; but did watch. Of course I know her (and love her) mostly as Audrey in the classic screen musical, Little Shop of Horrors. She's simply divine as Audrey, and in person, she was absolutely lovely. Very sweet, and of course I got an autograph; made out to myself and the other half (for me Little Shop; and for him Pushing Daisies). I also told her how much I love her in Talk Radio. She remarked that she loved that film. I got to chat w/ her for a few moments. She was just awesome; and so very petite.





The day after my run-in w/ Ms. Greene, I came from the back room to see my two bosses helping out someone very familiar to me. I'm sure I looked like an ass, but immediately went to the counter to say hello and ask for an autograph. It was Joyce Hyser; best known as Terri Griffith; the cross-dressing student journalist in the 80's classic, Just One of the Guys. Since this film is no less than in my top ten films of ALL TIME, clearly this was a big moment for me. My bosses laughed at me, and I really didn't care. I'm starstruck. I can't help it. I've seen this movie so many times I've lost count. She was very gracious, gave me an autograph, and had a nice combination look on her face...part horror @ my fanatical behaviour, but also part flattery. She remembered my name as she left the store; saying "Goodbye, Michael". I told her that she made my week...and that may have been an understatement. She looked fabulous, and it was a real thrill to meet her. Wow!

I often remark that these celebs that don't have a big name (such as Tom Hodges; whom I met months ago in the store; and who later sent me an autographed headshot) must appreciate; on some level, a fan that knows their name; not just, "oh, you were that person in that one movie from the 80's, what was that called? What's your name?". I may be kidding myself, but I think for some of the celebs I meet, I must make their day too. And it must be nice to see how genuinely excited I am. I'm just being me. Yeah, Ellen and Joyce!