Confession: I’m bored out of my nut. I recently sent off my brand-new manuscript to my publisher (yay) but now I’m betwixt and between – waiting for news on the manuscript as well as a TV project. So, for some reason, my mind has strayed to funny celebrity encounters I’ve had during the course of my life and career.
Here’s something my close friends know about me: In spite of the fact that I’ve worked in the TV industry for years, I still get completely star-struck by certain actors (and authors – see David Sedaris story below, and singers, and creators). Over the years I’ve worked with many of the creme de la creme in the Canadian industry, from all the Degrassi stars (minus Drake – the original Degrassi stars, okay?) to many of the Corner Gas stars, and all sorts of popular Canadian actors on my own show, Robson Arms – Megan Follows, John Cassini, Dave Foley, Mark McKinney, Joe Flaherty – just to name a few.
Once I’ve met an actor or writer or singer or creator whose work I love, I tend to calm down and be able to treat said person like a normal human being, thank god. But while I’m “in between projects” I thought I’d dole out, over the next few weeks, some of my funniest/most awesome/weird celebrity encounters.
Today: Erik Estrada.
I guess you have to be of a certain generation to remember CHiPs. (California Highway Patrol) and Ponch. Anyhoo, CHiPs had long been off the air when I, a lowly PA at “Degrassi Junior High” in my very early twenties, was told to chaperone and help out at a celebrity car wash with a bunch of the Degrassi cast. I don’t remember what the cause was. Well, who showed up but Erik Estrada. Anais Granofsky, who played Lucy on Degrassi, was absolutely tickled because her mom had had a huge crush on Erik. I remember thinking he didn’t look too bad for his age, if a bit leathery.
We talked a bit over car-washing. I left. I found out on Monday from the car wash organizer that Erik had tried to get my phone number (the guy didn’t have my phone number anyway, and I’m guessing he wouldn’t have given it out, even to a fake highway patrolman).
Now, I only have that guy’s word for it that Erik asked for my number. He definitely had that rep – and of course, I was the only other person at that car wash who was LEGAL, if you get my drift. I also wonder what I would have done if he’d actually got my number and called – knowing me I probably would have tried to get a free dinner out of it, not to mention a great story.
Oh, and in case you’re curious, this is what I looked like back then … So, if he did ask for my number, he must’ve been going through a dry spell!!
Tomorrow, or soon, I will post Celebrity Encounter # 2 … Hmm, who will it be?
