Mackenzie Crook

Today put an end to my dry spell of autographs for which I've sent requests.  I received my photo back signed from British actor Mackenzie Crook, who is probably best known for his performance as Gareth Keenan in the U.K. version of The Office or as Ragetti in the first three Pirates of the Caribbean films (that's how I know him).  He was appearing in the Tony award-winning Broadway production of Jerusalem, which closed this past weekend after an incredible run -- so, naturally, when I noticed his name on the cast list, I knew I had to send a request.

While I thorougly enjoyed On Stranger Tides, the fourth installment in the Pirates franchise, Mackenzie's absence and the lack of his character's humor was noticeable and could have aided the film in being even better.  I sent my request to Mackenzie at the end of June, and while it was a little bit of a wait, I was fully expecting for him to reply to my request after the play ended (it seems more and more people are doing that these days).  Currently, I don't have too many pending requests -- Jerry Stiller, James Remar and Brooke Shields, to name a few -- but the new Broadway season is just around the corner with an AWESOME lineup of people I plan on writing (including Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, Rachel Griffiths and Eddie Kaye Thomas), so stay tuned! I'm looking forward to it!

Helena Bonham Carter, Helen McCrory & Jason Isaacs

As usual, another autograph dry spell has foresaken me...autographs for which I've sent requests, that is.  Luckily, I've still been able to advance my Star Trek and Harry Potter autograph collections via reputable sellers from across these United States.  Since my "Star Trek Wall (Updated)" post below, I was successful in adding a signed card of Jonathan Frakes (Will Riker) to my collection, which now leaves DeForest Kelley and Wil Wheaton to be had.  Unfortunately, I think it might be awhile until I publish another Star Trek-related blog post, as those two names have been pretty hard to come by as of late.

After seeing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II multiple times this summer, I was inspired to add the signatures of two of my favorite 'Potter' actors to my collection: Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange) and Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy).  I came across a signed 4x6" agency photo of Helena and began brainstorming possible display ideas for her and Helen McCrory (Narcissa Malfoy), who I had already received through the mail last year.  I decided on matting the signed photos with two other Harry Potter-themed studio shots and name plates, which can be seen below.  And of course, a HUGE 'thank you' goes out to my incredible father for helping cut the mats and frame the finished products. I LOVE them!

Jason Isaacs has been another favorite of mine for quite some time now.  He did an extraordinary job as both the sinister Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter and the villainous Captain Hook in the 2003 film version of Peter Pan.  I actually wrote to Mr. Isaacs requesting an autograph at the beginning of 2009, but I'm afraid that request will be left unfulfilled (I have yet to receive a reply, but as my Julie Andrews success taught me, NEVER discount ANY pending requests).  However, I started looking at other ways to obtain a signed photo of this talented actor.  He appeared at this year's San Diego Comic Con to promote his new NBC drama Awake (premiering this fall) -- of course, what better way to promote your particular movie or TV series than by signing autographs for the loyal fans?! And that's exactly what I've added to my collection.  Pictured below, I have added an 11x17" Comic Con exclusive Awake mini poster signed by Jason Isaacs to my wall.  Sure, it's no Lucius Malfoy print, but I've always wanted to add some signed mini posters to my collection, and this Awake mini poster is pretty cool.  So here's to the start of a new venture!

"Sister Act"

You all should know by now that I am a HUGE fan of Whoopi Goldberg -- my day is incomplete without watching her and Joy Behar on The View -- because of her amazing performances in The Color Purple, Ghost, Rat Race, The Lion King, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Toy Story 3 and Sister Act to name a few.  I mean, Whoopi, Dame Maggie Smith and Kathy Najimy -- three of my all-time favorite actresses -- in one movie?! Pinch me, I must be dreaming! Therefore, I think it goes without saying (although I'm going to say it right now) that when it was announced the stage version of Sister Act would be heading to Broadway, I knew I had to write for a signed playbill.  Having said that, I had no idea how extraordinary the Broadway show would turn out to be.  Led by Ms. Goldberg on the creative team (she is a producer of the show and was a vital part in securing its Broadway stint), Sister Act was nominated for five Tony Awards this year including Best Musical, but lost to The Book of Mormon.

I sent my request to the stage manager on July 28 and received this reply a little over a week later! That means another playbill to add to the colorful collection (I absolutely adore the various covers).  This response gives me inspiration to send to the cast of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, another Broadway musical produced by the Divine Miss M herself, the one and only Bette Midler. 

Alan Dale

While the name Alan Dale might not immediately ring a bell in your mind, I know you have seen at least one of his many films or television shows.  Trust me.  From his performance as Charles Widmore on Lost to Bradford Meade on Ugly Betty, Caleb Nichol on The O.C. to Praetor Hiren in Star Trek: Nemesis (my two personal favorites), I must once again reaffirm that this man has had one incredible career and certainly shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. 

I watched The O.C. religiously when new episodes were airing on FOX back in the day, and I must admit, it was quite easy to dislike the character of Caleb Nichol.  Alan did a great job as the conniving businessman, but once he and Julie Cooper were married, you longed for the episode when something shocking would happen that would break them up.  Unfortunately, that came in the form of Caleb's death...and then Mischa Barton died and the show tanked during its fourth and final season.  But you all know that story, I'm sure.

Ironically, I was just watching Star Trek: Nemesis for the first time this past weekend and was wondering if and when I would hear back from Mr. Dale.  I sent my request back at the end of April and, as is the case with every autograph request fulfilled, I am thrilled to add these signed photos to my collection. :D