Traci Lords

Traci Lords has led an interesting life. In her younger days, she starred in some adult films, but managed to leave that world behind and carve out a successful mainstream career.

I'm sure there were a lot of bumps along the way, but Traci has come through brilliantly. Despite your opinion of her past, all must give credit to what she has become.

Aside from her work, Traci is one of the sweetest people I have met. I have seen her enough at conventions to become a "convention friend" of hers. I don't claim to be best pals with her, but she does recognize and remember me every time.

She is also willing to do goofy pictures. Sometimes, she even instigates the shots. A few years back, as I greeted her, she immediately asked what silliness we would do that day. I laughed, but said I didn't want to keep pestering her with that stuff. Hearing none of that, she suggested the photo below, where she hid behind me. Being that I am too often oblivious to folks around me, it is actually the perfect picture. I would miss Traci, despite her standing directly behind me!

Most celebrities are fan-friendly at these conventions, although some seem like they'd rather be elsewhere. Traci, however, gives the extra effort to make it memorable for her fans.

For more info on Traci, go to TraciLords.com. She's got plenty of merchandise and her appearance schedule here. If you see her, tell her Johngy sent you. It won't get you or me anything, but she might have fun trying to remember who Johngy is without seeing me.

Traci Lorda and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2018.

Friend Encounters: Traci Lords and John J. Jackson

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

I met John J. Jackson at Days of the Dead where he was part of the DotD crew. John is one of the many great folks I have met at Days of the Dead over the years.

In addition to working with and meeting celebrities, John is active on the entertainment scene. He has worked as a producer, an associate producer and even as an actor, including an appearance in Candie's Harem, starring our friend Portia Chellelynn,

More importantly, John is a good guy. I always like seeing John at Days. People like John are part of the big convention family. I love meeting celebrities, but seeing my con friends is also a major part of my convention experience.

Another part of my con experience over the years has been actress Traci Lords. I have met Traci many times and she is one of my con favorites. You know you've seen a celebrity a lot, when they recognize you and even know you by name.

Days is scheduled for later this month (November 20-22) and I hope to see John, many of my other con friends and maybe even Traci there. It's been too long since I have seen my con family.

Go to DaysoftheDead.com for info on their conventions all year around the country.  Also, follow Days of the Dead on Facebook for more frequent updates and other fun.

John J. Jackson and Traci Lords in Indianapolis, IN-March 2015.

Friend Encounters: Traci Lords and Brian Steward

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

I first met Brian Steward many years ago at a Days of the Dead convention. He is an artist, writer and photographer. I have interviewed him several times. One of our first interviews can be found at On the Beat With Brian Steward.

It was the art he did of Giada that originally caught my eye, but he has done a ton of other stuff, including a lot of awesome work with Kiss. After one interview, Brian was kind enough to give me a signed print of the Giada piece.

One of Brian's latest projects is The Official Kiss Posterbook. Coming from his company, Fantasm Media, it is a "Greatest Hits" from their first two issues. It is just the most recent of a lot of cool stuff he has done with the band.As a Kiss fan from way back, I love seeing all of his creations, whether photographs or original artwork.

Many years ago, Brian met Traci Lords, another of my favorites. I haven't seen any Traci creations from Brian, but I'll ask him the next time I see him. Traci seems like a natural for one of Brian's illustrations.

Traci is a talented actress who overcame obstacles to carve out a solid career in the entertainment industry/ All throughout, she has maintained a positive attitude and is great with fans.

For more info on Brian, check out BrianSteward.com and follow Brian Steward on Facebook.

Brian Steward and Traci Lords in Dallas, TX-May 2012.

Catching Up With Traci Lords

Today, I am going way back to feature actress Traci Lords. Back in the early 90s, Traci had reddish hair, while I sported a dark mullet.

Traci has had quite a career. She has overcome drug issues and other personal stuff to become a strong and successful woman. Through it all, Traci remained positive.

I first met Traci at a Hollywood Celebrities Show. Back then, these shows weren't nearly as common as they are now. I thought it might be the only time I would meet her. Little did I know I would meet her many times and actually become a "convention friend."

Over the years, Traci's hair has gone through a series of colors, but she always looks great. Meanwhile, my hair has gotten grayer and on my best day, I don't look great.

Over the years, I have also developed a nice rapport with Traci. It had a bit of a rough start though, when I asked for a picture of her choking me. (I just wanted something funny, but didn't properly explain that). She polite declined, but gave me agreed to put her hand over my face for the shot. Mission accomplished, despite my awkwardness. She now jokes with me about goofy pictures we can take.

Most recently, Traci starred in Women Behind Bars. In 2018, she released Come Alive, a new single and is reportedly working on an EP. This was a return to music for Traci, who released 1000 Fires in 1995.

Go to TraciLords.com for more info on Traci. Also, follow her at @theTraciLords on twitter.

Traci Lords and me in Rosemont, IL-Late 1990's.

Traci Lords at Days of the Dead 2018

Days of the Dead Chicago starts today and runs through Sunday. I'll be there all weekend enjoying the fun. Today, I present some of the fun from last year.

I have met actress Traci Lords many times over the years. Through the years, we have developed a bit of a familiarity. Last year at DotD, Traci had a little fun with me.

In the past, I had gotten a fun picture where Traci covered my face with her hand. I said I never looked better and Traci got a laugh out of it.

When I saw Traci last year, she recalled the photo and asked what we were going to do this year. I laughed and said I didn't want to keep bothering her. She  directed me to stand in front of her and we got our picture taken that way. Who am I to refuse Traci? We actually did a few silly pics, before taking one "normal" pic.

A lot of celebrities wouldn't go that far. A lot of celebrities wouldn't be up for such silliness. That is just one reason why Traci is truly the best. It is also one reason why I will always see Traci any time I can.

Traci has had a great career. She's had regular roles on tv's Melrose Place, Profiler and First Wave, as well as many other one-time roles. She has also had major success on the big screen with such hits as Cry-Baby. Not of This Earth is one of her earliest movies and one I really loved. I think it has become a cult classic!

As I wrote, I have met Traci many times and I hope to see her again in 2020. It's always a pleasure seeing her.

Check out TraciLords.com for more info. Also, follow Traci on twitter for frequent updates and news.

Also, go to DaysoftheDead.com to get info on all of their events. After Chicago, the next Days of the Dead will be February 7-9, 2020 in Atlanta.

Traci Lords and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2018.

Traci Lords at Days of the Dead

Days of the Dead returns to Chicago (Schaumburg) November 16-18. One of the featured guests is Traci Lords, an old favorite of mine.

I have followed Traci's career for 30+ years. One of her first roles was in Not of This Earth, which is a very underrated movie. (Our friend Kelli Maroney also appears in it.)  Traci also co-starred in Cry-Baby, and several other movies. She had regular roles on television shows, too, including Roseanne, Melrose Place, Profiler and First Wave. Her latest project is Swedish Dicks, a tv show about two Swedish detectives trying to make it in Los Angeles.

I first met Traci many years ago. Over the years, I have seen her many times. The last time I saw Traci was at Culture Shock, an offshoot of Days of the Dead, in 2015.

Jack and I were taking the elevator to the convention floor. When the elevator doors opened, we stepped in to see Traci and Malcolm McDowell. Jack was excited to run into McDowell, because he had been a fan for a long time. I was happy to see Traci and pleasantly surprised when Traci recognized me from previous conventions.

It's always a bit of a fine line seeing celebrities multiple times. I never want to appear to be too clingy, but I enjoy catching up with my favorites when I can. Fortunately, Traci always seems okay with me and I appreciate her kindness.

Traci is a great convention guest. She has plenty of different pictures for sale, which is always cool for fans. I usually pick up a new one every time I see her.

She is also awesome with her fans. Traci is one of the nicest celebrities I have met at conventions. As I wrote, I have seen her many times and I have always had great experiences. She is a true professional and a delight.

Check DaysoftheDead.com for more info and to get tickets. Also, check out TraciLords.com and follow @TraciLords on twitter.

Traci Lords and me in Indianapolis, IN-February 2015.

Traci Lords Made Me Look Great!

I finally took a good picture with Traci Lords.  This might be my best picture ever anywhere!

I have been a fan of Traci's for many years.  Her first major film was Not of This Earth in 1988.  I said back then that it would be a cult classic and time has proven me right.  From there, she went on to other excellent roles in Cry Baby, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Melrose Place, Roseanne and many others.  She has remained active in movies and on television.

Traci is a very popular guest on the comic con circuit.  She is also a great guest.  She has a great supply of items to sign and she is always fan-friendly.  I have run into her at these events, but away from her table and she is just as nice.  It has been a couple years since I have last seen Traci and I am hoping that changes this year.  Maybe we'll take another great picture.  I think Traci found the key to making me look good.

Traci Lords and me in Rosemont, IL-November 2010.

Flashback Weekend with Traci Lords and More!

Flashback Weekend isn't the largest convention around, but it is one of the best.  It always has quality celebrity guests, interesting events and it is extremely well run.  It might be the first convention I ever attended and is a "can't miss" on my calendar.

This year, Flashback Weekend will be held from August 7-9 at the Crowne Plaza in Rosemont, IL.  The focus this year is on Halloween, a true horror classic.  Celebrity guests include Nick Castle (the original Michael Myers), Gick Warlock, Tommy Lee Wallace, Alan Howarth, William Forsythe and many more.  This is a Halloween fan's dream (and pretty cool for regular horror fans, as well).

There are several other celebrities, too.  Barbara Magnolfi (Suspiria) is making a rare appearance.  Others include John Russo (Night of the Living Dead), Charles Band (Re-Animator), Pat Healy (Cheap Thrills), Richard Band (Re-Animator) and more.  Plus, local celebrities like Svengoolie, Nick Digilio, Dann Gire and John Laflamboy will be on hand for more fun.

In addition to all of these great celebrity guests, there will be an outdoor showing of (what else?) Halloween!  This is a rare opportunity to see the classic Halloween on a giant screen (and outdoors).  That is an event by itself!

That's not all though.  Alan Howarth will be in concert.  On Friday, August 7, the legendary composer will be performing selections from Halloween 2-6, Escape From New York and many more.

On Sunday, August 9, Svengoolie will present a special screening of Mad Monster Party.  It will feature audience participation and activities for kids.

Did I mention the costume contest?  What about the Zombie PinUps Pageant?  How about the Question and Answer sessions?  There is so much and I am probably forgetting a few things.

In the past, I have met some of my very favorite celebrities at Flashback Weekend.  I saw wrestler-actor Rowdy Roddy Piper in the Chicago area for the first time.  I interviewed Kelli Maroney.  I reconnected with Traci Lords.

I have so many great memories from Flashback Weekend.  I am looking forward to creating more memories at this year's Flashback Weekend, too!

Traci Lords and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2014.

Traci Lords Made My Days (of the Dead)

I am a longtime fan of Traci Lords.  I loved her in the campy classic Not of This Earth, the cool Cry Baby, tv's Melrose Place and many other projects.  She is versatile, talented and very pleasant.

Traci also has been known to adopt different looks.  I have seen her as a redhead, a blonde, a brunette and some shades in between.  Believe me, she looks stunning no matter the color.

More importantly, Traci is sweet.  She is one of the better celebs at making each encounter special.  There is always limited time, but the key is always the simple gesture that makes it special.  Traci always does the little extra bit to make it a great experience.

Her fans come in all shapes and sizes.  Her career is so varied, she draws from all sides.  I have met her many times over the years and I have yet to see a bad time had by anyone at her booth.

I applaud Traci for her convention interaction and I applaud the Days of the Dead staff for bringing in such classy guests.

Days of the Dead is not afraid to try different things.  I think the only real requirement is the celeb must give a full effort.  I have met hundreds of celebrities at the various Days and I cannot recall any bad experience.

Traci Lords and me in Indianapolis, IN-July 2012.

Moving Forward With Traci Lords

I am a fan of Traci Lords.  I can list many movies and television shows featuring Lords, but unfortunately too often people immediately go back to her pore-mainstream career.

It is not my place to judge her decisions earlier in life.  Mistakes or not, Lords did what she did.

I am just here to say that I have enjoyed her mainstream work and I have enjoyed meeting her many times.

On television, she had excellent roles on Roseanne, Married With Children, Melrose Place and more.  On the big screen, I enjoyed Not of This Earth, Crybaby, Blade and others.  Her body of work is impressive.

I have seen Lords at many personal appearances, including a book signing.  I have seen her handle jerks and uncomfortable situations with class and poise.

I have seen plenty of celebrities commit crimes and do other questionable things.  They are eventually embraced and all is forgiven.  Why does her past always cast a shadow over her career?

Maybe I am wrong, too.  Maybe I should not even mention that here and jut  say she has been great every time I met her.  Did I need to discuss her negatives to build my case for her positives?

I am not sure.  I struggled with how to write this one.  I have never used any of my pictures with Lords previously, partly because of this issue.

Whichever way, I have written what I felt.  I have several more pictures with Lords and a few good stories from meeting her and I will be running them in the future.

I doubt Lords will ever read this, but I just want to say that I appreciate her kindness and her personable nature.  Lords is one of the best celebrity convention guests out here.

Traci Lords and me in Rosemont, IL-Mid 1990's.

Friendly Encounters: Traci Lords Meets Todd Card

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

I am not so self-absorbed that I would actually think Traci Lords is my friend.  The facts are that I have met Traci many times over the last 15 years or so.  She knows me and sometimes remembers my name.  Considering the amount of people celebrities meet at these conventions, I am always a bit surprised when celebrities remember any of us.
At Days of the Dead in Indianapolis (IN) last summer, I was walking to the event when I saw Traci approaching from the opposite direction.  Traci actually semi-stopped me to greet me, although she admitted not remembering my name.  I thought this was a very nice gesture on her part.
I continued on and met my friend, Todd Card, author of Hell Cometh.  I interviewed Todd again and we caught up a little with each other.  Then I let him get back to his fans and I went to get more interviews.  I checked back with Todd a few more times over the weekend.
At some point, Traci also checked in with Todd.  In fact, they had quite a meeting and it moved Todd, who walked away with a whole new appreciation for Traci.  I learned of this meeting through following Todd on Facebook.
Todd wrote about meeting Traci and included a couple pictures and a short video.  Todd's take was uniquely Todd.  I think Todd gained a new friend in Traci.  How cool is all of that?
Todd is an extraordinary person.  I am so proud to call him a friend.  I have learned so much from him and am lucky to know him.  It started out as me trying to get an interview with a new author and it continues with me gaining a great man of a friend.  How cool is all of that?
Todd's debut novel, Hell Cometh, was my first foray into the zombie genre.  I admit, it startled me a bit (okay, it scared the living crap out of me at times).  The book is such a piece of Todd.  He holds nothing back.  Please, do yourself a favor and check out HellCometh.com to learn more about this terrifying book.
I view this as one of my most interesting Friendly Encounters.  Traci Lords and Todd Card.  Two very interesting people...one cool encounter!

Traci Lords and Todd Card in Indianapolis, IN-July 2012.