Friendly Encounters: Jerry Mathers, Tony Dow and Tommy Else

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

I love this picture. It's a real family meeting a television family. It even looks like a real family portrait.

My buddy Tommy Else and his mom went to the Hollywood Celebrities Show and met Tony Dow and Jerry Mathers, who played Wally and Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver on television's Leave It to Beaver.

I can't believe I have known Tommy for so many years. It seems like yesterday I was emailing him about his audition for Resistance Pro Wrestling. He won that audition and I interviewed him at his first RPro show, which can be found at On the Beat With Eric St. Vaughn.

Over the next 8+ years we have had a lot of great times in and out of RPro. Aside from wrestling, we have gotten together for music, kickball, podcasts. 

I'm not Tommy's only podcast adventure. He has a whole network, called (what else?) "The Or Else Network" available on SoundCloud. Other podcasts include, "Jesse Unplugged," with Jesse Anderson, "Checking In," Tommy checking on his friends during quarantine and "Losing Friends," which explores many (sometimes controversial) topics. I hope you check out his work and I am not saying that because I am a proud part of the Or Else Network.

in Rosemont, IL-March 2018.

Anne Ramsay of A League of Their Own

Today, I feature another actress from A League of Their Own, one of my favorite movies.  Anne Ramsay played first baseman Helen Haley in the classic film.

I had the pleasure of meeting Anne at a Hollywood Celebrities Show.  Of course, I talked to her about my love of the movie, but I also brought up her role on tv's Mad About You.  She played Lisa, Jamie's sister.

Anne is adorable in person.  She is a real sweetheart.  She said she loved working on ALoTO and Mad About You, stating they were definitely career highlights.  She often gets overlooked for both roles, because of the star power of the others, but she had memorable performances in those supporting roles.  Who didn't love Lisa Stemple and her issues?

Anne also had a role on tv's Star Trek: The Next Generation, which contributes to her popularity at comic cons.  She has stayed busy both on tv and in movies.  You've probablyu seen her a lot, including on tv's Dexter.

Anne Ramsay and me in Rosemont, IL-

Megan Cavanagh of A League of Their Own

Today I feature another actress from A League of Their Own, one of my favorite movies.  Chicago born Megan Cavanagh played Marla Hooch, which was her film debut.
Marla was the second baseman for the Rockford Peaches.  The character was so endearing.
I talked to Megan about her character at a Hollywood Celebrities Show.  She talked about how many people have issues about not being the pretty one or the popular one.  Marla was so sweet and likable that people saw beyond her lack of glamour.  Megan said she is planning a documentary about that topic.  That would be one I'd love to see.
She is touched and proud that people still come up to her and talk about how much ALoTO meant to them.  Although many of those people are women, Megan said the number of men who loved the movie still surprises her.  She is grateful for all of the fans.
On a side note, I had completely forgotten that Megan had a recurring role on tv's Home Improvement as Trudy, who eventually married Al Borland in the finale.

Megan Cavanagh and me in Rosemont, IL-Spring 2015.

Lori Petty and A League of Their Own

A League of Their Own is one of my all time favorite movies.  It had humor, baseball, love and Lori Petty!

Very near the end of the movie, in a big scene, Petty's character Kit slides into home plate in as Dottie, her sister the catcher (Geena Davis), drops the ball.  There has been a debate raging ever since.

Did Dottie drop the ball on purpose to let Kit have this one?  Did Kit's aggressive play cause Dottie to drop the ball?  I actually like the mystery.  I think it adds to the mystique of the movie.

I always felt that Kit caused Dottie to lose the ball.  I think the story was going in the direction that Kit was becoming the better player and Dottie was heading towards retirement and family life.

At a Hollywood Celebrities Show, I had the chance to ask Petty for her thoughts.  While she admits it was never clearly declared, she feels Dottie did not drop the ball intentionally.  They were too competitive to do that.  She also feels it was a bit of the torch being passed as Kit would continue playing, while Dottie settled down.  I think Petty enjoys the debate, too.

The interesting part of the debate is that both actresses would probably say the same thing.  Even their characters would say the same thing.  The only ones who might say different would be the writers and producers.

Petty's performance is one of the underrated gems in the movie.  As the spunky little sister, she was an interesting counterpoint to the veteran star.  Their conflict throughout the movie was poignant and the play at the plate was the perfect climax.

After that big scene, the final scene is many years after that as the ladies are part of an exhibit at the Hall of Fame.  It is emotional and moving and once again, the sisters play a big part.

I just loved this movie start to finish.  I think I expressed my opinion to Petty without coming off as a big goof, but I might have crossed that line.  She was very gracious and seemed appreciative of my praise.

ALoTO is only one of many great projects for Petty.  More recently, she is probably better known for being on Orange Is The New Black.

Lori Petty and me in Rosemont, IL-Spring 2015.

Tracy Reiner at the Hollywood Celebrities Show

A League of Their Own is one of my all-time favorite movies.  The fictional story of the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League starred  Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, Rosie O'Donnell and many others.  It was directed by Penny Marshall.

Tracy Reiner starred as Betty "Spaghetti" Horn (#7, left field/relief pitcher) for the Rockford Peaches.  Tracy is Penny's daughter and Rob Reiner's adopted daughter.  Tracy has had a lengthy career, appearing in movies such as Pretty Woman, Beaches, Apollo 13 and many others.

I met Tracy at a Hollywood Celebrities Show a few years ago.  There was a mini-reunion of A League of Their Own..  It was cool to see several of the ladies together again.  They all had such fond memories of that movie.

Tracy enjoyed working under her mother's direction, as well as working with so many other talented actors.  She enjoyed the baseball scenes, too, but did admit they were hard work.

As a side note, Tracy's acting career started during her teenage years.  Tracy appeared on tv's Laverne & Shirley three times in three different roles.

Tracy Reiner and me in Rosemont, IL-Spring 2015.

Past and Present with James & Kristy McNichol

I first saw Kristy McNichol when she was playing Letitia "Buddy" Lawrence on Family.  She earned two Emmy awards for Best Supporting Actress for the series.
James McNichol appeared in many commercials and then starred on tv's The Fitzpatricks.  McNichol mostly retired from show business in the 1990's, but is making a return.
I had the pleasure of meeting the McNichol sibling at the recent Hollywood Celebrities Show, where they were one of the most popular attractions.  They don't do many appearances, especially out this way and they are beloved child stars (although Kristy had several great adult roles, too).
I have to applaud both of them for going out of their way to make sure their fans were completely satisfied at the show.  When they were taking pictures with fans, they had to move to the corner area for the best lighting.  Again, this might not sound like much, but when you have to do it dozens of times an hour, it can be tiresome.  They never complained and kept cheerful moods.  They gladly talked of their childhood yuears, as well as what they have been doing lately.  In short, they were great guests.
I always enjoy meeting stars whom I grew up watching.  I admit, I probably had a little crush on Buddy.  She was a real sweetheart!  It is cool to see that both were very nice now in person.

James McNichol, me and Kristy McNichol in Rosemont, IL-September 2013.

Johngy Promotes Mancow?

Mancow Muller came to Chicago in 1994 and created quite a buzz.  He has been on the Chicago media scene steadily since then.  Currently, he hosts a television show in the morning.

I saw Mancow at the Hollywood Celebrities Show where he had a booth.  Oddly though, I met him away from his booth, when he was interviewing other celebrities there.  Basically, he was doing what I wanted to do, but with his stature, he had much better access than I did.  I hate being beaten at my own game (even if it was his game first).

If you can't beat them, you join them.  I went up and introduced myself to him and got the picture.  I also did a quick promo for his show.

Wait...Johngy did a promo for Mancow?  Yes, I did.  Theoretically, it should have been the other way around.  Why did I not ask for reciprocation, by the way.  Oh well.

I have not seen my promo for him, but I have not watched every minute of his show.  I would love to see it some day.  If you see it, let me know.

Mancow Muller and me in Rosemont, IL-September 2013.

Photographic Help From Mackenzie Phillips

Mackenzie Phillips first gained fame in American Graffiti.  What a classic that was!  It had so many young stars.  I loved that movie.

She then costarred on tv's One Day at a Time, which really launched her career.  I had previously met Valerie Bertinelli and Richard Masur, two of her costars.  Unfortunately, I will never get to meet Bonnie Franklin.

Like a lot of young stars, Phillips had a roller-coaster of a career and personal life.  She seems to be doing well now.

I met Mackenzie at the recent Hollywood Celebrities Show.  She was extremely nice.  She was also very patient.  The woman I asked to take out picture was having great difficulty with the camera.  Phillips gently tried to gently guide her through the process (maybe we should have asked Debbie Gibson again...see older post).  After a few minutes of fumbling, the woman finally was able to get the picture.  I don't mind any such delays.  It just means a bit more interaction with the celebrity.

Mackenzie Phillips and me in Rosemont, IL-September 2013.

Erin Murphy Was Bewitching

Erin Murphy shared her first big role with her sister.  After the first season of Bewitched, Erin took over the role full time.  After Bewitched, she has remained busy in acting and in many other areas, too.
I met Erin at the Hollywood Celebrities Show.  Erin was a great guest.  She had a nice selection of 8x10's.  When I asked for a picture with her, she responded that pictures were free.
Erin has done other shows, so this was not a rookie mistake.  She actually does not charge for pictures with her.  That might sound normal, but most celebrities do charge (or they take one with you if you buy something else).  I mentioned that to her and she shrugged and we sort of chuckled a bit.
She also went above the call of duty when posing with fans.  The arrangement of the tables did not allow quick access to the celebrities.  Instead of taking the pictures across her table, Erin made the long walk around to stand next to each fan for the pictures.  It was just another reason why the encounter was pleasant.
It was cool meeting her, because I basically grew up watching her and now she is a beautiful woman about my age.  Plus, she was as nice as could be.  You can follow Erin Murphy on twitter to get all of her updates and to learn where she will be appearing next!

Erin Murphy and me in Rosemont, IL-September 2013.

Photographic Help From Debbie Gibson

Going to conventions by myself can present challenges.  One such problem is finding someone to take the pictures of me with the various celebrities.  Sometimes, there just is nobody right there when I need someone.

Debbie Gibson solved that problem for me, by having someone working her table with her.  The assistant was able and willing to take our picture.  The only problem was that the room was dark and needed a flash.

Of course, I had no idea how to get my camera in flash mode.  Debbie Gibson to the rescue!

Debbie took my camera and fiddled with it for about 10 seconds.  She not only figured out how to put the flash on, she turned it back off for me when we were done, but taught me how to do it.

Aside from this being a very cool thing for Debbie to do and it making a fun little story, it also brings up one point, which I am sure my faithful readers and friends will question.  Was this all a clever ruse on my part to spend time with the lovely Debbie?  While it did allow me a few extra precious moments and while that would have been pretty smart on my part, I must admit that my ignorance of my own camera was indeed legit.  Sometimes though, ignorance is bliss, like the few extra moments I spent with the lovely Debbie Gibson!

Debbie Gibson and me in Rosemont, IL-September 2013.

The Big Ragoo and Johngy

When I was growing up, Fonzie was the coolest, but Vinnie Barbarino and Carmine Ragusa would have to be included on a Mt. Rushmore of cool.  The Big Ragoo was all of 5'3", but he appeared bigger on tv (much like Fonzie).  He could fight, sing and dance.
I have met Eddie Mekka a few times and he has been gracious each time.  The last time was at the Hollywood Celebrities Show.  Mekka was joined by former costars, Cindy Williams, Penny Marshall and Henry Winkler.  Oddly, Mekka Mekka sat a little away from the other three who had connecting booths.
I asked Mekka about it and he had no idea why the positioning was as such, but he showed no signs of being disturbed.  Maybe it was just a matter of space and logistics.  Still, they offered a special combo autograph and picture of the three, but Mekka again was on his own in that regard.  He was pictured on a cast photo of Laverne and Shirley, but I don't recall any photo with Mekka and Winkler.
Who knows what the thinking and reasons were.  It might be nothing.  It just seemed odd.  Mekka wasn't just a fringe character.
Whatever the case, as I wrote, Mekka was very friendly and chatty at the convention.  He posed and signed for fans all afternoon.

Eddie Mekka and me in Rosemont, IL-October 2011.

Henry Winkler was the Coolest

Back in the day, didn't everyone think the Fonz was the coolest?  Didn't everyone mimic his trademark "Aye"?
Since those happy days, Henry Winkler has gone on to a hugely successful career mostly behind the camera.  Stars of his magnitude don't usually do autograph conventions and when they do, they usually charge a lot more than the average celebrity guest.
Winkler is the exception on both counts.  He has done a few conventions and he only charged the same amount as the other stars at the Hollywood Celebrities Show.  That in itself provided a unique opportunity for his many fans.  Winkler didn't stop there though.  He went out of his way even more for the fans in attendance. 
Winkler stood on the fans' side of his table, allowing for quicker and better photo opportunities.  This doesn't sound like a huge deal, but it entailed Winkler standing for about 8 hours straight.  It also allowed more fans to have the chance to meet him during the event.
He didn't stop there though.  About every 20 minutes or so, Winkler walked past his entire line of fans thanking them for waiting and promising they would all get their time with him.  How incredibly nice is that!!  I have never seen that from any celebrity.
When I was growing up, Fonzie was the coolest.  Now as an adult, I have to say, Winkler is the nicest!

Henry Winkler and me in Rosemont, IL-October 2011.

Batman Meets Batman

At a Hollywood Celebrities Show several years ago, I witnessed the crossing paths of two Batman past and present.  Adam West (Batman from tv and my youth) briefly chatted with Val Kilmer (the most recent big screen Batman at that time).
I have written about West's rigid stance about unauthorized picture-taking, but I couldn't let this moment pass without trying.  I managed to snap the picture below.  While it might not be the best shot, at least it did not incur the wrath of West (or perhaps he just didn't notice because of my sly photography skills.  Either way, I am glad I got the two Batmen in one shot. 
I don't know why some celebrities will pose with others and some won't.  I also don't know why some conventions organize such photo-ops.  I just know that multiple (connected) celebs together for photos is very popular with attendees

Val Kilmer and Adam West in Rosemont, IL-Late 1990's.

Talking to Brad Dourif was Child's Play

I have previously mentioned how some actors seem to get annoyed when I mention long-forgotten or small roles, bypassing other more notable performances. Veteran actor Brad Dourif is not one of those.
Dourif has had a lengthy, successful acting career. He appeared in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and has been in many other projects over the year.
When I met Dourif, I mentioned his voicing of Chucky in Child's Play. Dourif was eager to discuss his portrayal of Chucky. Without taking it too seriously, Dourif talked about how voiceover work is difficult and you really are acting just as much as if you are seen and quite possibly even more. In voicing a wooden doll, Dourif had to capture the emotions of Chucky through just his voice. Dourif was proud to be recognized as Chucky and happy to discuss any part of it.

Brad Dourif and me in Rosemont, IL-late 1990's.

From Gilligan's Island to Rosemont

Dawn Wells is great. She is pleasant, polite, personable and seemingly happy. Unlike others who are known for one role, Wells seems content with her place in life.
Wells played Mary Ann Summers on tv's Gilligan's Island. She has done many other less notable roles, but she will forever be Mary Ann to everyone. And she is perfectly fine with that.
Wells embraces her past, without overdoing it. Aside from her pictures (mostly from Gilligan's Island), she has a few other GI-related pieces for sale (like the famous 'Mary Ann or Ginger?' shirt). She doesn't come dressed in character either, like some others.
Somehow, she caught me off guard though, when she asked me for my favorite GI episode. I have seen them all (many times), yet I froze. Finally, I mentioned the HoneyBees. She laughed at that.
Actually, thinking back, Wells seemed a lot like her character Mary Ann. Unfortunately, she did not bake a pie for me though! Still, it was great meeting and talking to her.

Dawn Wells and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2010.

Fred Williamson:The Original Hammer (Apologies to Tom Skalski)

Before there was Dave Schultz. Before Stanley Burrell became MC. Before Tom Skalski earned the moniker. There was the original Hammer. Fred Williamson.
Williamson is a Chicago guy and played football at Northwestern. He told me when he was coming out of college, he wanted to play for the Chicago Bears. Instead, he was drafted #2 by the San Francisco 49ers.
In his first training camp, a coach asked him to take it easy and stop "hammering" his teammates. Thus, a nickname (and legend) was born. Williamson did his best to live up to that nickname.
Williamson was great and even did a promo for Johngy's Beat. At the age of 73, he still looked tough (and not just tough for a 73 year old...legitimately tough).
I think the Bears were probably too frugal to attempt to sign Williamson. Imagine that defense, if Williamson was here and then joined by Dick Butkus. Oh well, I can dream.

Fred Williamson and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2010.

Morgan Fairchild

Morgan Fairchild did some episodic tv and some small roles in films, but it was her role on tv's Flamingo Road which shot her to stardom. Fairchild also had a resurgence on Friends as Chandler Bing's mother Nora.
When I met her, I was surprised at how tall she was. She wasn't wearing high heels either. She's no giant, but I would have guessed about 3 inches less.
I talked to her about her part on tv's Mork and Mindy as Mindy's somewhat snooty friend, Susan and her part on Happy Days, again playing a somewhat snooty woman. She laughed and said it was a lifetime ago, but a lot of fun.
I'm not sure what I expected from Fairchild, but she seemed pretty appreciative of her career and her fans. She seemed to be having fun talking to everyone.

Morgan Fairchild and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2009.

Tommy Bradford, Buddy Lembeck and Willie Aames

I grew up watching Willie Aames play Tommy Bradford on tv's Eight is Enough. A slightly older Aames played Buddy Lembeck friend of Scott Baio's title character on Charles in Charge.
As an adult, Aames was on some reality tv shows. He has experienced financial problems and has battled drugs and alcohol. Aames is a born-again Christian. I have to say though, Aames looked and sounded great when I talked to him.
Aames talked about how much fun he had with Baio and how they sometimes just ad-libbed conversations. They had great chemistry and remain friends.
I told Aames about this site and what I do. He graciously recorded a testimonial which you can see upper right on this page.

Willie Aames and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2010.

Phil Packer, Arthur and Peter Brady

Just as I was about to talk to Christopher Knight, he got called away to do a tv interview. What...tv is bigger and more important than Global Traveler magazine? Fran Gallagher would argue otherwise.
Anyway, when Knight returned, I said, "About time, Knight! I was giving you 1 more minute." He got a good laugh out of that. It's always good to start these things with a good laugh.
We talked a bit about the Brady Bunch and his return to tv with My Fair Brady. He stated that he likes doing the conventions, especially when his Brady Bunch co-stars are also there. At this particular event, Mike Lookinland, Susan Olsen and Robbie Rist were sharing an area with him. I was also the only person present who knew both Phil Packer (Peter's alter ego who double-dated with Greg) and Arthur (Peter's lookalike classmate).

Christopher Knight and me in Rosemont, IL-Fall 2008.

Shannon Malone is a Model Businesswomen

You might not know her by name, but you have probably seen Shannon Malone many times. Malone has done some acting, as well as appearing on a few posters, in several music videos and on the covers of many magazines. She was also featured on several cards in the BenchWarmer trading card series.
I met Malone several years ago. I hadn't planned on talking to her and had no questions for her. However, as I was meandering around, she started a conversation and my friend and I found her very articulate and interesting. We didn't talk about her career, either. We talked about business.
Models can get bad reputations at times, but Malone came off as personable and as a smart businesswomen. She admitted she didn't have the acting chops to win any awards, but she was having fun, making a living and doing other things, too.
She came to the show prepared, armed with several 8x10's, trading cards, posters and videos. She said she wanted to make sure she had every fan covered. It sounds kind of cold, but really it is good business.

Shannon Malone and me in Rosemont, IL-mid 1990's.