Friendly Encounters: Mark Metcalf and Nancy Blais

This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

This is another of those special "Friendly Encounters."  I love this picture for many reasons.

I was scheduled to cover Wizard World in Columbus, Ohio and my family decided to join me there to visit our cousins for the first time in many years.  That alone made the trip memorable.

My sister Nancy "volunteered" to help me at Wizard World.  One of the peole we met was Mark Metcalf, known for his role as "Master" on Buffy and for being "The Maestro" on Seinfeld.

I got my picture with Metcalf and we talked a bit.  Then his attention turned to Nancy.  He offered her a free picture and autograph.  That's a bit unusual, although very nice.  Before we left, he gave us both hugs, although I think mine was more obligatory.

Nancy and the Maestro!  Who would have thought?!

Nancy Blais and Mark Metcalf in Columbus, OH-October 2011.

Mark Metcalf...A Triple Threat

Mark Metcalf has had a long career, but is probably best known for roles in three major franchises.  He played Neidermayer in Animal House, the Maestro on Seinfeld and the Master on Buffy, among many other roles.  Aside from the great impact on his career, those roles make him a triple threat for celebrity autograph conventions.
As I have written before, collectors of any given franchise like to get everyone involved.  Just being in one can make the actor a major favorite at such conventions.  Being in three very successful franchises is like a golden ticket at such conventions.
Adding to all of that, Metcalf is extremely personable.  He will sit and talk to everyone for as much as time permits.  He also has a nice assortment of pictures you can get signed.
I am not necessarily a Seinfeld collector, although I am a big fan of the show.  Still, I have met the Maestro, David Puddy, the Soup Nazi and Mike Moffit.  Happily, they were all pleasurable experiences.

Mark Metcalf and me in Columbus, OH-October 2011.

Johngy Meets the Maestro

Mark Metcalf gained his first big success as Neidermayer in Animal House. He reprised that persona in 2 Twisted Sister videos.
In more career symmetry, Metcalf played 'The Maestro' on Seinfeld and 'The Master' on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I don't know if his real name on Buffy was also Bob Cobb, though.
When I met Metcalf at the Hollywood Collectors Show, I asked him which of his 8x10's he liked. As he pointed to one, a child (his son Julius?) sitting with him mockingly asked me why I didn't ask for his opinion. He pointed to another and said I should get both. Now that is a pretty good salesman!

Mark Metcalf and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2009.