Friend Encounters: Shawnee Smith and Mitch Ell at Flashback Weekend

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Flashback Weekend returns August 5-7 for its special 20th anniversary event. As usual, I'll be "On the Beat" meeting the celebs, vendors and creative folks.

Actress Shawnee Smith was one of the most popular celebrity guests at Flashback Weekend 2021. Smith has a lengthy resume, but might be best-known for Becker or Anger Management.

My convention buddy Mitch met Smith last year. Mitch and I probably have been crossing paths for years, but it was only the last couple I actually got to know him a bit.

I am sure Mitch will be at Flashback Weekend 2022 and I know I will definitely be there. I'll be "On the Beat" reporting back here, on GlobalTravelerUSA.com and Patch.com.

Go to FlashbackWeekend.com for more info on this year's big event. Also, check the Flashback Weekend Facebook page for more frequent updates.

Shawnee Smith and Mitch Ell in Rosemont, IL-August 2021.

Shawnee Smith Did Not Scream

Shawnee Smith has been labeled a Scream Queen, due to her recurring role in the Saw movie series, as well as several other horror films. However, Smith also co-starred on tv's Becker.
I have to admit I don't have much to say about Smith. I met her at the Horror Hound Weekend in Indianapolis. I hadn't planned on approaching her, but somehow during the course of events, I ended up right at her table. What else could I do, but ask for a photo with her.
It was a bit awkward, as I wasn't really familiar with her work. I faked my way through some conversation by asking about her horror roles. I knew she was in horror films. She answered politely, but not enthusiastically.
Fortunately, my client soon arrived and reshuffled stuff and I was on my way. I mean no disrespect to Smith. I know she has a following, because I saw them. She just hadn't crossed my radar.
Maybe my hair scared her silent. Looking back at it now, it does leave me a bit speechless.

Shawnee Smith and me in Indianapolis, IN-October 2007.