Michael Rooker at Wizard World St. Louis 2017

Michael Rooker was born in Alabama, but moved to Chicago in his early teens.  He talked about Chicago in the interview I did with him at Wizard World in Chicago 2015.  That interview can be found at On the Beat with Michael Rooker.

Rooker was hugely popular at that Wizard World and not just because it was in Chicago.  His resume is lengthy, but his stint on The Walking Dead made him incredibly in-demand at the convention.  That's what happens when you have a successful actor and a ridiculously popular series.

A year and a half later, I met Rooker again at Wizard World, but this time it was in St. Louis and Rooker was as popular aas ever.  Fortunately, as a media person, I got some extra access, because his lines were very long.  Despite the long lines, his fans left very happy.  That's what happens when you have a popular celebrity who makes each short visit special for the fan.

In St. Louis, we talked about Wizard World, Chicago and even a little real estate.  During the press session, he even got one member of the press (not me) to demonstrate "The Twist" while he sang it.  That was a blast.  You don't see that too often from celebrities.

He's a great guy, a great guest.  I look forward to seeing Rooker again at a future con.

The next Wizard World is in Portland January 24-26. For more info, go to WizardWorld.com.

Michael Rooker and me in St. Louis, MO-April 2017.

On the Beat with Michael Rooker at Wizard World Chicago 2015

Michael Rooker's first role was the title character in "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer."  It was an intense movie and Rooker's portrayal of Henry was amazing.  It set the stage for Rooker to play many "heavy" roles as his career progressed.

I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Rooker at the recent Wizard World Chicago Press Reception.  Knowing Rooker lived in Chicago starting in his early teens, I decided to ask him about his favorite Chicago spots.  He gave me a solid response.  Then I asked him about answering the repetitive questions and he gave me an even better answer.

Rooker is probably one of the biggest names I have ever interviewed and he was also one of the nicest.  We joked a bit before and after the interview and even briefly at the convention the weekend after the reception.

Rooker had one of the longest lines at the convention, but nobody complained.  He is just that popular, but he is also very good with his fans.  Everyone left feeling like he gave them that special moment that everyone wants with their favorite celebrities.

I hope you enjoy my interview with Rooker.  Also, check out all of my interviews from Wizard World on the Johngy's Beat Wizard World playlist on YouTube.