A Year In Review: 2013 People Of The Year

My, what a year it has been! Filled with ups and downs, I am happy to report 2013 was filled with more of the former than of the latter. At the beginning of the year, I transitioned from being a full-time student to a full-time worker (real life, huh?) as I graduated with my Bachelor's degree in Communication, and again transitioned in October when I accepted a new position at my place of employment. Throughout the year, I attended many excellent conventions where I met some of my all-time favorite entertainers. I cannot wait to resume my journey in March 2014, so stay tuned. On tap for next year: more from The Walking Dead (Sarah Wayne Callies, finally?) and Star Trek, but also my first Supernatural convention towards the end of the year! Get ready, Jensen and Jared!

Because Barbara Walters has been such an influential person in my life, I started the tradition of selecting my own person of the year back in 2008 (modeled after her annual 10 Most Fascinating People special). This year, however, has proved difficult to select just one person, so I have decided on two females and two males who (I think) all had an extraordinary 2013. To recap, my selections in years past: Madonna, Jim Parsons, Alan Rickman and Adam Levine. And now, without further adieu...

Jessica Lange was my initial choice for 2012, but I switched to Adam Levine at the last minute. No regrets, as Maroon 5's latest album, Overexposed, was HUGE last year. While 2012 was, most definitely, a great year for Jessica, there's no denying 2013 was just as good...if not better. American Horror Story: Asylum continued to be insanely popular during the first half of the year, and its third installment, Coven, proves the show only gets better with each passing season. Plus, you know it has to be good with names like Lange, Sarah Paulson, Angela Bassett and Kathy Bates. This is, without a doubt, one of the best ensemble casts I've ever seen.

I was mesmerized by Lange's performance as the sinister (at first) Sister Jude in Asylum, but each episode brought different twists and turns, and by the end of the season, I was left with an incredibly heavy heart. I guess that's what electroshock therapy will do to you. This season, however, Lange's performance as Fiona Goode - The Supreme, if you will - is, well, I am at a loss for words. How about badass? There are only a handful of episodes left before Coven wraps for the season (it returns January 8), so be sure to tune in to see what happens.

I also chose Lange this year because I was successful in adding her signature to my constantly growing collection (an accomplishment of which I am incredibly proud, as not many people can say the same). She released her latest book, It's About a Little Bird, in October and did a handful of signings throughout the United States. They were quite limited, and I was turned down multiple times until a Barnes & Noble in Tribeca, New York came through for me! Personalizations were not allowed due to time constraints, but I am still overjoyed to have secured her signature. The book is awesome too, by the way. The photos and artwork within are beautiful. Highly recommended!

Sir Patrick Stewart & Sir Ian McKellen both had an awesome year. Continuing to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation during the first half of 2013, Sir Patrick made a rare convention appearance in Chicago and reunited with the entire principal cast. It was a once-in-a-lifetime weekend, and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to take part in the celebration and meet one of my all-time favorite actors. Oh, and let's not forget he tied the knot over the summer, with Sir Ian officiating the ceremony. As mentioned below, Sir Ian has yet another Lord of the Rings-based film underneath his belt - trust me, you have got to see The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. It was epic!

Both are currently on Broadway starring in No Man's Land and Waiting for Godot. They have been more than generous with regards to fan mail, as I received my photos back signed from both in just a couple weeks' time. Two of the finest gentlemen in the business, and their close friendship off-screen makes me admire them even more.

 

Finally, what can I say about Kelly Clarkson? She's flawless, plain and simple. I saw her (for the second time) with Maroon 5 in St. Louis back in August, and I think it was the best concert I've ever attended. STL in the summer, outdoor venue, family, Kelly and Adam Levine?! How could you go wrong? I'll tell you! With a group of screaming fangirls in the row directly in front of us constantly wailing their arms - I'm a tall guy, but c'mon, even the slower songs don't warrant "hands in the air like you just don't care"-type activity. But, I digress... Her greatest hits album was the soundtrack to my summer (be sure to check out "Catch My Breath" and "People Like Us"), and her holiday album, Wrapped In Red, is a Christmas classic. Check out "Underneath the Tree" below.

 

 

And there you have it, my friends, my 2013 People of the Year. Here's to an excellent 2014.

Cheers!

Sir Ian McKellen

 

Few actors are as accomplished and critically-acclaimed as the one and only Sir Ian McKellen. Not only does he have two incredibly successful movie franchises under his belt, but he is also a talented veteran of the theatre. Currently, he can be seen on Broadway alongside friend Sir Patrick Stewart in No Man's Land and Waiting for Godot at the Cort Theatre.

Last year, Sir Ian journeyed back to Middle Earth to reprise his role as Gandalf the Grey in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. This December, fans will be able to see their favorite wizard once more, as the sequel The Desolation of Smaug is released in theaters worldwide. In 2014, both Sir Ian and Sir Patrick will be back on the big screen together, appearing in the highly-anticipated X-Men: Days of Future Past as Magneto and Professor X, respectively. Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry and Anna Paquin, as well as some others, will also return to reprise their roles.

I have been an enormous fan of Sir Ian McKellen for some time now (obv!), and I cannot wait to see his upcoming films. I only wish I lived closer to New York so that I could see his play and chance meeting him outside the theatre. He is a true gentleman, much like Sir Patrick Stewart, and I thank him for honoring my autograph request. LLAP.

Sent: November 2, 2013
Received: November 22, 2013

HorrorHound Weekend: Indianapolis (2013)

Yesterday, I traveled to Indianapolis (for the first time!) to attend my first HorrorHound convention with hopes of meeting The Walking Dead's Steven Yeun, Emily Kinney and Chad Coleman. Steven was only scheduled to appear yesterday because he had to be back in Georgia early morning today for filming, so meeting him was definitely my top priority. Plus, my birthday was Friday, and what better way to celebrate than with my favorite male character from one of my favorite television shows?!

Robert Englund, Freddy Krueger himself, was also in attendance this weekend. The lines for him were certainly long, but well-organized to manage the amount of people, which kind of meant The Walking Dead was not the prime focus at this convention. I only waited an hour - perhaps a tad more - to meet Steven and gain access to the ballroom where they were signing. Once inside, I was able to bounce to Chad's and Emily's tables without having to go to the end of the line each time. Steven was $40 per signature, and while I was anticipating Emily and Chad would be $30, turns out they were $40 each as well (pretty much standard price for most of The Walking Dead cast members these days).

I had each sign my cast poster, now bringing the count to 7 signatures! This was my final convention for 2013, and I cannot wait to start again in March 2014!

 

 

 

While at the convention, I also met Vivica A Fox (of Kill Bill) and Barry Bostwick (of The Rocky Horror Picture Show). Too cool! While this was my first HorrorHound experience, it certainly will not be my last!

Contamination DefCon 4 2013 Convention

Yesterday I journeyed down to St. Louis for Contamination's annual convention. I knew it would be a fairly quick trip, as I was only interested in meeting three guests from The Walking Dead - Nick Gomez (Tomas), Theo Crane (Big Tiny) and Travis Love (Shumpert the Bowman). All were very, very nice and down to earth, willing to chat, sign my poster and snap a few photos...

Alan Cumming

 

Today I received a response from Eli Gold (of The Good Wife) himself, actor Alan Cumming. Alan is currently starring in the Broadway production of Macbeth, and has received nothing but rave reviews across the board. I have been a huge fan of Alan's work since the days of Goldeneye
(as Boris Grishenko - "I am invincible!"), Annie (as Rooster in the Kathy Bates revival) and
X2: X-Men United (as Nightcrawler, who was totally underutilized in the film), but his recurring role as Eli Gold on The Good Wife has to be my absolute favorite. I cannot wait for the new season to begin in the fall! Stay tuned!

Thomas Nicholas (again!)

Last night, I met actor Thomas (Ian) Nicholas at a local bar in the area. Thomas played Kevin Myers in all four American Pie movies and was awesome in person. I arrived before he was scheduled to play with his band, and was surprised to see him casually hanging out in the venue. I asked him for a photo op and if he would sign my American Reunion 8x10". I mentioned how I had no aspirations to add any other signatures to the cast photo, and that he could take as much space as he wanted. You'll see his in person (IP) signature matches his through the mail (TTM) signature quite nicely. He thanked us for coming out and was a genuinely kind guy. Plus, I was so excited he performed Matt Nathanson's "Laid" (which his band covered for the American Reunion soundtrack). Night made. Happy 4th, indeed!

Regis Philbin

I have owned a copy of Regis' autobiography How I Got This Way for some time, but I just now got around to sending it to him. I wrote Regis once before and received my photo back signed and dedicated with a great message, and this occurrence was no different. In both letters, I mentioned how I studied Journalism in college and now possess a Bachelor's degree in Communication, and how he is a true inspiration to me. I told him how I aspire to do what he did every day, and how I am sure I could a better job than Michael Strahan! Whew, don't get me started! I miss Regis more than you could imagine, but his recurring appearances on Hot in Cleveland and The View have helped me cope.

Star Trek 2013 Chicago Convention

On Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2, I attended my second Star Trek convention at the Westin O'Hare in Rosemont, IL. This action-packed weekend boasted a reunion of the entire cast of The Next Generation and also had some actors and actresses from Deep Space Nine on hand to sign autographs and take photos. I had the time of my life and accomplished everything I wanted. It was great seeing everyone I had previously met out in Las Vegas last August, and it was equally special meeting some of my favorite actors and actresses for the first time.
Like whom? Oh, I don't know...how about SIR PATRICK STEWART?! He was so nice!
I'm still stunned I met him. WHAT a legend!

Here's to the 2014 Chicago convention with first confirmed guest JERI RYAN! Can't wait!

Photo Ops...

Marina Sirtis & Gates McFadden!

Nana Visitor!

Sir Patrick Stewart & Avery Brooks!

 

Autographs...

 

Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troi) & Gates McFadden (Beverly Crusher)

*Meeting Denise Crosby (Tasha Yar) in August to complete the photo* 

Michael Dorn (Worf) 

Signed by the entire cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation (!!) 

Signed by five of the nine cast members of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 

Sir Patrick Stewart (Professor Charles Xavier, X-Men)

LeVar Burton (Star Trek: TNG, Reading Rainbow, Roots)

 

...quite a haul, yeah? Can't wait 'til next year!

Just Checking In...

Only two - TWO! - weeks stand between me and my second Star Trek convention. Held in Chicago at the beginning of June, this event is beyond sold out and boasts a reunion of the entire cast of The Next Generation. Cast members from Deep Space 9 will also be on hand to sign autographs and take photos, but this is definitely a weekend fit for this TNG enthusiast. Check back to see solo photos of me with Sir Patrick Stewart and Gates McFadden!

In preparation for this convention, and because of my uncontrollable excitement, I purchased the original digital files of the six photos taken out in Las Vegas last year. Because they are certainly of higher quality, I thought I would share them here. And yes, I am obsessed with Instagram, so pardon the filter...

 

Wizard World 2013 St. Louis Convention

On Saturday, March 23, I journeyed down to St. Louis for the first-ever Wizard World Comic Con at America's Center. Wizard World is well-known in the convention circuit, and they did NOT disappoint with the guest line-up for this first STL convention. Stan Lee was the big name for the weekend, and while I would have loved to have met him, I had to set priorities. My mission:
to meet seven - SEVEN - of the other guests attending. Because I was only there for one day (Saturday), I was nervous I would not have enough time to meet everyone, but I did! And with time to spare! Everyone was so nice and I cannot wait for the Chicago convention in August and the second convention in St. Louis in 2014. Let's do this!

Photo Ops...


 Henry Winkler & Jason David Frank!

Tom Felton! 

 

Autographs...
 

Henry Winkler ("Fonzie," Happy Days) 

Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter)  

Jason David Frank (Tommy, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) 

Morena Baccarin (Anna, V) 

Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian, Star Wars: Episodes V & VI) 

James Marsters (Spike, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) 

Laurie Holden (Andrea, The Walking Dead)

 

The Chicago convention has already booked Jon Bernthal, Michael Rooker, Norman Reedus and Sarah Wayne Callies from The Walking Dead (!!), as well as Wil Wheaton from Star Trek! It's going to be so awesome!

(STPP) Christopher Lloyd

 

I feel this great actor needs no introduction. You know him from Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Addams Family, Clue: The Movie, and so much more! He appeared in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock as Klingon Commander Kruge, and when I was presented with an opportunity to have him sign my Trek poster (see below), I gladly accepted! This was signed at the Sci-Fi Expo down in Irving, Texas last weekend, and I received it back yesterday. I couldn't be happier with it, and the fact Mr. Lloyd does not attend as many conventions as some others makes this even more special. Stay tuned for the next signature!

Star Trek Poster Project (STPP)

Back in October '12, I had it in my head that I would purchase a unique Star Trek poster to be signed at future conventions by as many actors and actresses associated with the franchise as possible. I wanted the poster to be as series-neutral as possible (meaning, I didn't want to ask LeVar Burton from TNG to sign a poster clearly relating to Voyager, or Bill Shatner to sign one relating to DS9), and while the poster I ultimately decided on depicts the infamous, "To boldly go where no man has gone before" quote, I feel as though that quote encapsulates the Trek franchise quite nicely. Others may argue the design of the Enterprise is not appropriate for DS9 or Voyager, and to them I say this: So what?! Who cares?! Ha! ;) But seriously, to each his/her own...

Personally, I couldn't be happier with the print, and a HUGE shout out to artist Andrew Heath for doing such an awesome job (and signing the poster for me as requested). You can view his official website or his official store to purchase one for yourself! DO IT! Stay tuned for my first signature to be added within the coming days!

 

*Image is Property of Andrew Heath*

Blythe Danner

 

Ah, what a wonderful reply from one of my true loves in the entertainment industry!

I LOVE BLYTHE! So elegant, she is, and what a beautiful daughter she brought into this world...

the one and only Gwyneth Paltrow. I loved her as Dina Byrnes in the Meet the Parents trilogy, and now I only wish I could see her on Broadway alongside Matthew Broderick in Nice Work If You Can Get It. She is only performing through March, mind you, and I am so, so, SO thrilled to have heard back from her!

Daniel Stern

 

I'm baaaaack! I know, right? Who would have thought? Well, when I read Daniel Stern of Home Alone fame would be making his Broadway debut with Laurie Metcalf in The Other Place, I knew I had to write! Plus, Blythe Danner, one of my great loves in the industry, is also on Broadway, so I sent her a nice letter and a couple photos as well.  

 

But back to Daniel...Marv from Home Alone! One-half of the Wet Bandits! What can I say about Home Alone? It's a classic, and anyone reading this who HASN'T seen either of these two films should act quickly to remedy the situation. The first was great, but I really enjoyed the second one because of the New York setting (plus the addition of Tim Curry helped, too). I just watched both this past Christmas and was reminded of how often I watched them when I was a kid.  

 

Hopefully I hear back from Blythe as quickly as I heard back from Daniel. That's what I love about Broadway! Speedy replies! Live Long and Prosper.