Walter Koenig

Received a great success from one of the few Star Trek actors of the "main crew" known to sign through the mail in addition to signing at conventions (another that comes to mind: Sir Patrick Stewart), The Original Series' Walter Koenig.  For those who do not know, Mr. Koenig played Pavel Chekov in Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) and in all six TOS films.  He is one of the nicest men in the business -- heck, he'd have to be a true gentleman to sign free through the mail when he could solely charge at conventions -- and I am truly grateful to add these two signed photos to my ever-growing Trek collection.  I wrote Mr. Koenig in early November 2010 and while I was expecting to wait, I was certainly surprised to see his envelope in my mailbox this afternoon.

Here is a photo of my Star Trek wall (as I like to call it). I currently have autographs from the following "main crew" Star Trek actors and actresses:

The Original Series

• Leonard Nimoy / Spock (signed card)
• George Takei / Sulu (signed card)
• Nichelle Nichols / Uhura (signed 8x10)
• Walter Koenig / Chekov (two signed & personalized 5x7s)

The Next Generation

• Sir Patrick Stewart / Jean-Luc Picard

         (not pictured -- three signed & personalized 5x7s)

• LeVar Burton / Geordi La Forge (signed card)
• Gates McFadden / Beverly Crusher (signed 8x10)
• Marina Sirtis / Deanna Troi (not pictured -- signed 8x10)

Star Trek (2009)

• Chris Pine / Kirk (not pictured -- signed & personalized 5x7 w/ nice note)
• Zachary Quinto / Spock (signed 11x17 poster & 8x10)

Point of View (April 2011)

Sorry I'm a tad late posting, but this is the newest episode of our talk show.  Check it out!
Point of View (April 2011)

Jim Belushi & John Larroquette

Received nice replies today from two veteran actors, Jim Belushi and John Larroquette.

Jim is currently starring in the Broadway production of Born Yesterday at the Cort Theatre.  He has always been great with fanmail, but I knew the reply would be quicker via Broadway and took this opportunity to write him.  For me, his standout performance was that of the "rough 'n tough" Santa Claus in Jingle All the Way with Arnold Schwarzenegger -- it is one of my all-time favorite Christmas movies and I loved the scene in the almost mafia-like "North Pole" where all of the mall Santas and elves met to assemble cheap, imported toys.

John is currently starring in the Broadway production of How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying opposite Daniel Radcliffe (for those wondering if I've sent to Daniel...no, I have not, but that's only because I already have three signed photos from when I wrote him via Equus on Broadway in early 2009).  While some might know John strictly from Boston Legal or Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, I am more of a fan because of his humorous performance as Lawrence Van Dough in Ri¢hie Ri¢h.  In addition, the reviews for How to Succeed have been incredible -- if only I lived in New York, I'd go see it in an instant!  There are so many of my favorite entertainers on Broadway right now, it's not even funny! But I've heard back from a good amount of them so far, so let's hope that continues!

Dave Legeno

Received a nice reply today from actor/MMA fighter/musician Dave Legeno, who is (probably) best known for his role as Fenrir Greyback in the final three Harry Potter films.  Fenrir was an essential supporting character in The Half-Blood Prince book, but they really cut his part down in the film and it's quite disappointing -- especially after spending all that time on make-up and the overall look of the character.  Perhaps we will see him more in Part II of The Deathly Hallows this summer!

I had written to Dave once before, but I think something happened to my letter while in transit between here and London.  Anyways, I resent last November and am thankful I heard back -- he's a great addition to my Harry Potter collection.  In addition to signing and personalizing my photo as requested, he also wrote me a kind, short note on the back of the picture.  When I introduce myself in my letters, I always tell the specific person to whom I am writing that I am majoring in journalism and how it would be an honor to one day interview them.  I also asked Dave how long the make-up application took on a normal day...the photo of his note can be seen above, so take a look!

Joy Behar

I am soooooooo incredibly ecstatic about this success -- for those of you who don't know or have never heard of Joy Behar, she's a HILARIOUS comedian, co-host of ABC's The View and now hosts her own show on HLN.  In addition, she's known for shrugging her shoulders to certain topics and saying, "So what?! Who cares?!" -- sound familiar? Yes, Joy's infamous catchphrase was also the inspiration for this blog.

I watch The View each and every day and LOVE Joy's opinions (I agree with her almost 99.9% of the time -- now what does that tell you?), as well as her chemistry with fellow co-host Whoopi Goldberg.  Her solo show on HLN is just as funny and she gets great guests...in fact, if you haven't given The View or The Joy Behar Show a viewing, I HIGHLY suggest it. :)

I sent my request to CNN Headquarters in Atlanta (yes, I know Joy films in New York -- these are pre-signed, authentic photos for fan distribution) on February 16 and received the signed photo today.  Again, still so thrilled to add Joy to my collection.  I now have three out of the five co-hosts of The View (Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd) and am going to send to Barbara Walters (aka Babah Wahwah) ASAP.

Mark Wahlberg

Received a fantastic reply today from an incredibly talented actor..."Marky Mark" Wahlberg! He was outstanding in "The Departed" and, although I have yet to see "The Fighter" (I know! I can't believe I haven't seen it yet, either!), I have heard nothing but AMAZING things about it -- heck, it would have to be pretty darn good to receive all those Oscar nominations -- and need to make a point to watch it here soon.

Mark has a phenomenal reputation for being an A-list actor who still takes the time to reply to fanmail and autograph requests, so this success is even more special for that reason and I'm absolutely thrilled to add him to my autograph book.  What's more, it only took about two months, too! Not too shabby, I'd say.